US Coast Guard Shadows Venezuelan Tankers Amid Rising Tensions

In a significant escalation of maritime enforcement, the US Coast Guard is currently pursuing a third oil tanker purportedly linked to Venezuela's shadow fleet, operating under false pretenses to evade international sanctions. A US official, who requested anonymity, indicated that this vessel was engaged in illegal activities related to sanction evasion, tracking it amidst international waters near Venezuela. The ongoing operation highlights the US's commitment to disrupt Venezuela's oil shipping practices. It follows a previous seizure of the Panamanian-flagged vessel "Centuries" over the weekend, with a focus on preventing the transport of stolen oil linked to the Venezuelan regime. Meanwhile, President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela has condemned what he terms an "aggressive campaign" by the US, alleging that operations against his country amount to psychological warfare. Maduro’s remarks on Telegram encapsulated his government's determination to fight back, as he stated, "We are ready to accelerate the pace of our deep revolution." In response to the attack on their tankers, Maduro has vowed not to let it go unpunished, threatening to escalate diplomatic efforts including complaints to the United Nations Security Council. This fierce rebuttal showcases the deterioration of US-Venezuela relations as oil sanctions continue to play a pivotal role in the political landscape. Despite the increasing pressure, the identification of the pursuing vessel remains unclear at this time. Another official indicated that the vessel has yet to be boarded, reflecting the complexities and sensitive nature of such maritime operations. The operations are part of a broader campaign initiated during the Trump administration aimed at targeting vessels associated with the Venezuelan government’s oil trade. This crackdown has seen multiple vessels seized, including a sanctioned tanker named "Skipper" recently. The justification for the actions taken against the "Centuries" was emphasized by US authorities as being tied to trafficking stolen oil, amidst claims by historical experts suggesting that the vessel appeared to be operating legally. Dr. Salvatore Mercogliano, a maritime historian, remarked that shipping databases reveal proper registration for the "Centuries," although it likely carried sanctioned oil. Against this backdrop, US officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, assert the need for a blockade against sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, emphasizing that any operations will remain in place until the Venezuelan government returns assets believed to have been seized from US oil companies. Moreover, the US's campaign extends beyond oil, targeting vessels accused of smuggling drugs such as fentanyl, with recent attacks sparking fierce criticism from human rights advocates. Lawmakers are raising concerns over the legality and morality of operations that have reportedly resulted in at least 104 deaths since September, calling attention to the lack of sufficient evidence to support claims justifying these strikes. As tensions simmer in the Caribbean, it becomes increasingly evident that the ongoing maritime operations represent a strategic effort by the US to tackle both illicit oil trades and drug smuggling, while simultaneously highlighting the deep political rifts between the US and Venezuela. This evolving situation underscores the complex interplay of international law, maritime conflict, and geopolitical maneuvering as both nations brace for another chapter in their fraught relationship. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2