US authorities are keeping watch on another oil tanker believed to be tied to Venezuela, a US official said, as Washington steps up efforts to curb the country’s sanctioned oil trade.
US officials said monitoring of the tanker is ongoing, and further enforcement action could be taken if new evidence confirms violations of existing sanctions, according to people familiar with the matter.
The development comes after two tankers were seized earlier this month, one of them over the weekend. US officials say the latest vessel is part of a shadowy network used to move oil while skirting international restrictions.
Tanker Allegedly Using False Registration
According to US officials, the ship is operating under a false identity and is covered by a court-backed seizure order. They say it is linked to what they describe as a “dark fleet” moving sanctioned oil.
So far, authorities have not released the tanker’s name or location, citing ongoing operations.
US and Venezuela Clash Over Oil Sanctions
Washington has long accused Venezuela of using oil revenue to support criminal activity, including drug trafficking. Venezuelan officials deny those allegations and say the tanker seizures violate international law.
Last week, President Donald Trump approved tougher enforcement measures aimed at stopping sanctioned oil shipments from entering or leaving Venezuela.
Caracas Rejects US Claims
Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, depends heavily on crude exports to pay for government programs. Officials in Caracas say the US is using sanctions to weaken the country’s economy and take control of its resources.
Following the recent tanker seizures, Venezuelan leaders said they plan to bring formal complaints to the United Nations and other international organizations.
Seized Tanker Highlights Legal Gray Areas
The tanker seized on Saturday was registered in Panama and boarded by a US enforcement team in international waters. While the vessel itself was not on the US sanctions list, officials said it was carrying oil linked to Venezuela’s state-owned energy company.
Maritime tracking data shows that dozens of ships operating near Venezuelan waters are currently subject to US sanctions.
US Military Buildup Adds to Regional Tensions
The tanker operation is happening as the US increases its military activity across the Caribbean. In recent weeks, American forces have taken action against boats they say were involved in drug smuggling, including strikes on Venezuelan drug facilities, moves that have led some lawmakers to ask for clearer evidence to back up those claims.
The US has also expanded sanctions against people and businesses tied to President Nicolás Maduro.
Diplomatic Rhetoric Sharpens
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the current relationship with Venezuela is no longer acceptable for Washington and suggested the administration wants to change the direction of that relationship.
Venezuela’s foreign minister pushed back, accusing the US of pursuing destabilizing policies. President Maduro has denied US claims linking him to criminal organizations, calling the accusations politically driven.
