U.S. in 'Active Pursuit' of Third Venezuelan-Linked Oil Tanker, Escalating Maritime Standoff

Lead: Seizures Signal Intensifying U.S. Campaign to Choke Maduro's Oil Lifeline

The U.S. Coast Guard is in “active pursuit” of a third oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, a U.S. official said, dramatically escalating a maritime campaign aimed at cutting off the Maduro regime’s primary source of revenue. The move comes after U.S. authorities seized two other tankers this month, one as recently as Saturday, signaling a more aggressive enforcement of its sanctions.

Washington's Position: A 'Sanctioned Dark Fleet'

The vessel currently being pursued is a “sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion,” the U.S. official stated. “It is flying a false flag and under a judicial seizure order.” U.S. authorities have not yet formally confirmed the operation, and the ship's name and precise location remain unknown.

The Trump administration accuses Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of using oil money to fund a narco-terrorist organization, the Cartel de los Soles—a charge Maduro denies. Last week, President Donald Trump ordered a “blockade” of sanctioned tankers moving to and from the country. According to data from TankerTrackers.com, more than 30 of the 80 vessels in or approaching Venezuelan waters last week were under U.S. sanctions.

Caracas's Reaction: 'Theft and Kidnapping'

Venezuela, home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has condemned the seizures as acts of “theft and kidnapping,” accusing the U.S. of attempting to steal its natural resources. The government has vowed to seek international recourse.

The naval operations are part of a broader U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean in recent weeks. The U.S. has conducted deadly strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats, killing an estimated 100 people. However, the military has faced increasing scrutiny from Congress as it has provided no public evidence that the targeted vessels were carrying drugs.

Rubio’s comments drew sharp criticism from Venezuela’s foreign minister, who accused him of dragging the U.S. down the path of “regime changes.” As Washington doubles down on its maximum pressure strategy and Caracas refuses to yield, the waters of the Caribbean are becoming the stage for a high-stakes geopolitical confrontation with no clear end in sight.