Washington(The COW News Digital) The United States has imposed sanctions on six additional Venezuelan oil tankers, intensifying tensions between Washington and Caracas. The move comes a day after U.S. authorities seized the tanker “Skipper” for involvement in illegal oil shipments, marking one of the most aggressive actions against Venezuela in recent years.
According to U.S. officials, the seized tanker was engaged in unauthorized transportation of crude oil and is now being transferred to a U.S. port for further investigation. The new sanctions target not only additional vessels but also networks linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, including close family members and business associates, whom Washington accuses of supporting an illicit regime.
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The U.S. government maintains that these measures are part of a broader commitment to prevent illegal oil and drug trafficking, while enforcing existing sanctions aimed at curbing the Maduro administration’s alleged corruption and illicit activities. Officials assert that the crackdown is necessary to uphold international maritime law and protect global energy markets from unauthorized shipments.
Caracas, however, has strongly condemned the U.S. actions, calling them “state-sponsored piracy” and accusing Washington of attempting to seize control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. The Venezuelan government characterized the seizure and subsequent sanctions as a direct attack on national sovereignty.
The sanctions arrive amid an already heightened U.S. naval presence in the region, with American warships actively monitoring maritime routes and carrying out operations against drug-carrying vessels. Recent interventions in the Caribbean have reportedly resulted in dozens of casualties, according to regional reports.
Analysts note that the latest sanctions could further escalate diplomatic tensions, complicating efforts for dialogue between the two nations. While the U.S. emphasizes law enforcement and anti-corruption objectives, Venezuela portrays the measures as an economic and political assault designed to weaken its government.
The situation reflects the ongoing struggle for control over strategic energy resources in Latin America, with international observers closely monitoring the unfolding confrontation. Both sides have indicated that maritime security and regional stability remain at the center of their respective positions.
The coming weeks are expected to be critical, as additional sanctions, naval patrols, and diplomatic reactions are likely to shape the trajectory of U.S.-Venezuela relations.
