Washington(The COW News Digital)The United States has launched another operation to intercept an oil tanker near the coast of Venezuela, marking the third such mission in less than two weeks. According to U.S. officials, this recent action is part of ongoing efforts to enforce sanctions against vessels involved in illicit oil transfers.
A U.S. Coast Guard official told Al Jazeera that the targeted tanker is reportedly part of Venezuela’s so-called “dark fleet” and has been attempting to evade U.S. sanctions. The Coast Guard is actively tracking the vessel and making efforts to seize it, reflecting Washington’s determination to prevent unauthorized oil exports.
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“These operations are aimed at vessels secretly engaged in illegal oil shipments,” the official stated, emphasizing that the U.S. will continue enforcing sanctions to uphold international law and prevent sanction violations.
This follows a similar operation conducted just a day prior, in which the U.S. successfully intercepted another Venezuelan tanker. Officials describe these missions as part of a broader campaign to restrict Venezuela’s sanctioned oil trade and ensure compliance with international regulations.
So far, Venezuela has not publicly responded to the latest U.S. action. However, the South American nation has previously accused Washington of attempting to steal its oil resources, signaling the potential for heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Analysts note that these repeated interdiction attempts demonstrate the U.S.’s commitment to curbing illicit oil exports from Venezuela, while also highlighting the challenges of monitoring vessels operating in international waters. The so-called “dark fleet” often relies on sophisticated methods to avoid detection, complicating enforcement efforts.
The operations underscore the geopolitical stakes involved in the global energy market, where sanctions and countermeasures are increasingly used to influence international trade. Experts warn that repeated confrontations at sea could escalate tensions, emphasizing the need for careful coordination and adherence to maritime law.
While the immediate focus remains on intercepting illegal shipments, the broader implications of these operations could affect U.S.-Venezuela relations, as well as the global energy supply chain. The U.S. government maintains that such actions are necessary to uphold sanctions, prevent illegal oil transfers, and maintain pressure on the Venezuelan regime.
