The U.S. Coast Guard is currently interdicting a sanctioned vessel in international waters off the coast of Venezuela, according to three U.S. officials. Details regarding the ship’s name and the precise location of the operation have not been released.
Second Seizure in Recent Weeks
This action represents the second time the United States has seized a sanctioned vessel. On December 10, an elite U.S. Coast Guard tactical operations team, supported by U.S. Navy helicopters, boarded and seized The Skipper, an oil tanker sanctioned for its involvement in an illicit oil operation with Venezuela.
The current interdiction follows a statement this week from President Donald Trump threatening a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela. Trump stated, “Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America,” adding that the military presence “will only get bigger.”
Escalating Tensions
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro responded by asserting his country’s intention to continue trading oil, alleging that Trump’s aim is regime change. Maduro stated, “This will just not happen, never, never, never — Venezuela will never be a colony of anything or anyone, never.”
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is being interdicted?
A sanctioned vessel is currently being interdicted by the U.S. Coast Guard off the coast of Venezuela.
What happened on December 10?
On December 10, the U.S. Coast Guard boarded and seized The Skipper, an oil tanker sanctioned for being part of an illicit oil operation involving Venezuela.
What did President Trump say about Venezuela?
President Trump stated that Venezuela is surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America and threatened a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers.
How might these actions reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Caribbean?
