Reportedly, the US Coast Guard is “actively pursuing” the fleeing vessel in the Caribbean Sea
Within less than two weeks, the United States has tried to intercept a third oil tanker associated with Venezuela. According to American officials cited by Reuters and other media, the US Coast Guard is reportedly “actively pursuing” a vessel in the international waters of the Caribbean Sea.
US officials stated that the ship is flying a false flag and thus is subject to a judicial seizure order. They described it as part of Venezuela’s “dark fleet” used to avoid Washington’s unilateral sanctions.
The vessel hasn’t been boarded yet. However, if the operation is successful, it would be the third interdiction since December 10. On that day, US forces seized the tanker Skipper, and on Saturday, another vessel, Centuries, was seized.
Venezuela has condemned these actions as piracy and warned that the seizures are a form of economic warfare aimed at suffocating its oil – dependent economy. Caracas has accused Washington of seeking regime change to gain control of the country’s large oil reserves.
Both Russia and China have warned that the increasing US military activities may lead to broader instability, and they have urged restraint and respect for international law.