Escalation of Tensions in the Caribbean
The United States Coast Guard is currently pursuing a third oil tanker near Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea, according to an anonymous US official. The ship is reportedly part of a “shadow fleet” used by Venezuela to bypass international sanctions. The vessel was sailing in international waters and was under a false flag, as well as subject to a judicial seizure order. However, its exact identity remains unclear, and another official stated that the ship has not yet been boarded.
This operation comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Venezuela. On Sunday, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned what he called a “campaign of aggression,” ranging from psychological terrorism to attacks by “corsairs” on oil tankers. He also declared his commitment to accelerating the pace of his “deep revolution.” Following previous seizures, Maduro vowed to hold those responsible accountable and plans to file complaints with the UN Security Council.
The Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security have not provided direct comments on the operation, instead redirecting questions to the White House, which has remained silent on the matter.
A Series of Seizures
If successful, this operation would mark the second such seizure over the weekend and the third in less than two weeks. These actions are part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to target sanctioned vessels linked to the Venezuelan government.
Earlier in the week, the US seized a Panama-flagged oil tanker named Centuries on Saturday. Additionally, on December 10, a sanctioned tanker called the Skipper was also taken. While the Skipper was clearly part of a shadow fleet moving sanctioned cargo, the reason for seizing the Centuries is less clear. The White House described it as a “falsely flagged vessel operating as part of the Venezuelan shadow fleet to traffic stolen oil.”
Maritime historian Dr. Salvatore Mercogliano noted that shipping databases suggest the Centuries appeared legal. “Everything indicates that she is a properly registered vessel,” he said, though he added that it likely carried sanctioned oil.
Economic and Political Context
Last week, the Trump administration announced a “blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. This move aims to force the return of assets seized from US oil companies years ago. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the blockade will remain in place until Maduro’s government returns every stolen American asset.
Stephen Miller, a close aide to Trump and US Homeland Security Advisor, has previously claimed that Venezuela’s oil belongs to Washington, arguing that the US “created the oil industry” due to its early role in developing the sector. In 1976, Venezuela nationalized its oil industry, establishing the state-owned company PDVSA to control its resources.
Broader Implications
The US has also targeted vessels it claims are smuggling fentanyl and other drugs. Since September, at least 104 people have been killed in 28 known strikes. These actions have drawn criticism from US lawmakers and human rights activists, who argue that the evidence is insufficient and that the deaths amount to extrajudicial killings.
The ongoing operations reflect a complex interplay of economic, political, and military strategies aimed at pressuring the Venezuelan government. As tensions continue to rise, the situation remains a focal point of international concern.
