The US Coast Guard is currently in active pursuit of another vessel in international waters near Venezuela, according to a US official who spoke to CBS News, the BBC’s US media partner, as tensions in the region continue to rise.
US authorities have already seized two oil tankers so far this month, including one intercepted on Saturday. The latest operation, carried out on Sunday, reportedly involves a sanctioned “dark fleet” vessel accused of helping Venezuela evade international sanctions.
A US official said the tanker is operating under a false flag and is subject to a judicial seizure order. Washington has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan government of using oil revenues to finance drug-related criminal activity.
Venezuela, however, has strongly rejected these claims, calling the tanker seizures acts of “theft and kidnapping.” Last week, US President Donald Trump announced a blockade on all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.
The South American nation, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has accused the Trump administration of attempting to seize its natural resources.
US authorities have not yet officially confirmed Sunday’s pursuit, and details about the tanker’s identity and exact location remain unclear.
