The United States has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, marking a significant development in the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two nations. President Donald Trump confirmed the seizure on Wednesday (December 10), stating, “As you probably know, we’ve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela.” The tanker was under U.S. sanctions, according to sources familiar with the matter and as reported by USA Today.
This action comes after months of military buildup by the U.S. around Venezuela, as part of a pressure campaign by the Trump administration to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power. The U.S. Southern Command and the Pentagon have referred inquiries to the White House for further details.
Additionally, a Russian tanker, the Seahorse, recently altered its course away from Venezuela after encountering a U.S. warship, the USS Stockdale, in the Caribbean. This incident raises questions about Washington’s efforts to curb Russian energy support to Caracas. The Seahorse, under sanctions from the UK and EU, was delivering fuel to Venezuela, which relies heavily on imported diluents for its oil industry.
The seizure of the tanker and the U.S. military’s presence in the region signal a continued escalation in the U.S.’s strategy to pressure the Maduro regime, potentially impacting Venezuela’s oil exports, which are crucial to its economy.
In parallel, Chevron Corporation is engaged in discussions with the Trump administration regarding its operations in Venezuela. The oil giant, which has a significant presence in the country, continues to operate under strict compliance with U.S. laws and sanctions frameworks. Chevron’s ongoing operations highlight the complex dynamics of U.S. interests in the region.
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