**Washington D.C.** – In a conspicuous intensification of its campaign to curb illicit oil revenue for the Venezuelan regime, United States forces have recently intercepted and apprehended a second merchant vessel laden with crude oil off the Venezuelan coast. This assertive maritime action, occurring in international waters, is part of a broader strategy to disrupt the flow of sanctioned oil, which US officials contend fuels narco-terrorism and props up President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The US Department of Defense confirmed that a third tanker is currently under active pursuit, signalling a sustained and potentially escalating enforcement of American sanctions in the region.
The recent interdictions underscore a significant shift in the US approach to Venezuela’s oil sector. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem articulated a resolute stance, stating, "The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund narco-terrorism in the region. We will find you, and we will stop you." This declaration, coupled with Senator Marco Rubio’s assertion that the US "reserve[s] the right, and have the right, to utilise every element of national power to defend the national interest of the United States," points towards a comprehensive application of national power to alter the existing geopolitical dynamic with Venezuela.
The apprehended vessels, including the Panama-flagged "Centuries" and the previously sanctioned "Bella 1" – a tanker that reportedly facilitated oil shipments to China in 2021 – represent a tangible success for the US in its efforts to choke off vital funding streams for Caracas. The "Bella 1" was added to the US Treasury Department's sanctions list last year, highlighting a persistent focus on vessels engaged in what Washington deems to be illicit trade. This concerted effort involves the deployment of the largest US fleet seen in the region in decades, coupled with the expansion of its roster of sanctioned vessels. Maritime data analysts, such as those at Windward AI and TankerTrackers.com, have observed a significant rerouting of Venezuelan oil shipments, with many of the over 30 sanctioned tankers now seeking refuge in the Indian Ocean to evade American naval patrols.
In response to these escalating pressures, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has reportedly instructed his navy to escort oil tankers, a move that could potentially lead to increased friction. The US administration has also alluded to the possibility of extending its blockade’s reach, suggesting that any vessel found transporting Venezuelan oil could face interdiction. This strategy has effectively trapped numerous "high-risk vessels" within the blockade zone or compelled them to engage in deceptive location manipulation.
The ramifications of this heightened US maritime enforcement are far-reaching. Experts suggest that these seizures will substantially diminish the Venezuelan government's revenue, potentially precipitating further economic strain. The US has not shied away from implying a willingness to engage in direct confrontation, refusing to rule out the prospect of open conflict with Venezuela should its national interests be threatened. The current campaign, characterised by pre-dawn interceptions and judicial seizure orders, signals a determined and potentially protracted effort by the United States to reshape the status quo with the Maduro regime through economic and maritime pressure.