The United States has increased pressure on Venezuela. They captured a Venezuelan oil tanker. New sanctions were also put in place. The US is enforcing its existing sanctions. Venezuela's President Maduro said this is piracy. This happened this week. It has also caused worry in the US. Some people fear a military fight.
US officials took the tanker called "Skipper." It was in international waters. The ship will go to a US port. The cargo will be taken by the government. A White House official said the goal is to stop illegal oil sales. This oil reportedly funds Maduro's government. She said, "We will not let ships with illegal oil sail." The money from this oil helps bad regimes.
After taking the tanker, more economic actions followed. The US Treasury put sanctions on six more oil tankers. These ships used flags from other countries. The US said these actions target secret oil shipments. They also put financial limits on three nephews of President Maduro's wife. This affects people close to the leader.
Venezuela strongly condemned the actions. They called the tanker capture an aggressive act. President Maduro said it was "international piracy." He said the US started "an era of criminal piracy." Venezuela says the US wants their oil. They also want to force political change.
This is the biggest event in a long effort. US ships have stopped many vessels since September. Some people have died. The US is now using its navy more. This is different from just financial sanctions.
The situation has made US politicians worried. Senators from both parties are concerned. They said the US actions are risky. They fear it could lead to an unwanted war. The situation in the Caribbean is very dangerous.