US military forces have seized a second merchant vessel loaded with stolen oil off of Venezuela’s coast in international waters. This action occurred in the early hours of Saturday and was corroborated by the US Department of Homeland Security. This most recent stoppage comes on the heels of an even earlier seizure of another oil tanker by US forces on December 10.
Yet the US administration has made clear through statements and leaks to the press that any ship carrying Venezuelan oil will be blocked. President Trump has just ordered a total and complete blockade of all oil tankers under sanction from coming into or going out from Venezuela! This action underscores the administration’s dedication to strictly enforcing bans on Venezuelan oil exports.
Both boats were stopped en route to Asia. This raises huge concerns about how these actions are likely to skew international trade. The ship seized on Saturday isn’t one of the vessels currently sanctioned by the US. The US is currently trying to add to that list as part of an effort to stop Venezuela from exporting its oil.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reiterated the government’s determination to focus on these enterprises.
“We will find you, and we will stop you.” – Kristi Noem
The impact of these interceptions goes well beyond a simplified enforcement of sanctions. Trump provided some detail on a plan to remove the Maduro regime. He charges it with usurping U.S. energy sovereign rights. As he explained in a recent interview with NBC News, military action against Maduro’s government is still on the table.
Maduro, for his part, claims that the US just wants to effect regime change and isn’t really interested in fighting drug trafficking. He contends that the United States is using its growing military presence in his country as a cover for anti-drug operations. In practice, though, it is going after a political agenda.
The geopolitical ramifications of these actions as spurred international attention. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum appeals to the United Nations to step in to “avoid any bloodshed.” Her call comes amid mounting concerns of the rising tensions in the region and the risk of war.
In coordination with Joint Interagency Task Force South, they tracked the movements of a vessel with suspected ties to drug trafficking networks and targeted the ship. This military operation resulted in the death of four people. Additionally, it exposes the primarily aggressive posture the US is taking towards mostly non-state actors it associates with threats connected to Venezuelan operations.
As the situation further unfolds, analysts will be watching closely to see what it means for regional stability and the integrity of international maritime law. The US government’s actions point to an important escalation in its enforcement efforts specifically against Venezuela, and more narrowly regarding oil exports.