US military activity near Venezuela has intensified as the US Coast Guard moves to apprehend a third oil tanker operating in international waters, according to officials who confirmed the development on Sunday. The operation marks the second action of its kind during the weekend and the third within a week, highlighting an escalating enforcement strategy against oil tankers under sanctions. One official stated that the vessel involved is subject to restrictions linked to United States measures aimed at blocking sanctioned tankers travelling into and out of Venezuela.
Washington’s pressure strategy follows President Donald Trump’s announcement of a blockade affecting all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuelan waters. The move comes as part of broader efforts to isolate Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and disrupt oil trade routes believed to be supporting sanctioned nations. Officials did not reveal the exact location of the Coast Guard’s latest operation, but stressed that the area falls within international waters and aligns with the United States objective of cracking down on black market maritime activity.
The increased military presence reflects a significant build-up of American force in maritime zones around Venezuela. Trump’s strategy has included military strikes across the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, with more than two dozen vessels targeted in recent months. These actions have resulted in at least 100 fatalities, according to reports. US authorities say the seizures are aimed at dismantling illegal supply chains rather than disrupting global oil prices.
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett noted that earlier tankers seized operating off Venezuela’s coast were distributing oil to restricted regions. He reassured domestic markets that US consumers should not expect fuel cost hikes due to the limited number of vessels involved, describing them as black market ships with minimal impact on supply.
The weekend saw US forces intercept a second tanker transporting oil off Venezuela’s coast. Earlier, on December 10, another vessel carrying oil was seized while heading for Asia. Both ships were believed to form part of a trade network linked to sanctioned entities. With the pursuit of a third tanker now underway, the heightened enforcement marks a turning point in regional maritime operations. The sustained pressure campaign suggests that further interceptions may follow as the US seeks to limit revenue sources connected to Venezuela’s government. The evolving situation places continued focus on international maritime law and the geopolitical tensions surrounding the flow of oil from South America to Asian markets.
