US Coast Guard Intercepts Third Venezuelan Oil Tanker in Two Weeks

US Actions Against Venezuelan Oil Sector

• 🎯 The US Coast Guard is pursuing another oil tanker, the Bella 1, in the Caribbean Sea, which has been under US sanctions since 2024 due to alleged ties to Iran and Hezbollah.
• 🚢 This operation is the third interception of an oil tanker in less than two weeks, indicating increased US pressure on Venezuela's oil sector.
• 📈 Maritime experts report that another vessel, the Centuries, was boarded by the US military after picking up oil in Venezuela and heading to China.
• ⚓ A third vessel, allegedly destined for Iran, was boarded and seized by the US on December 10th.

Venezuela's Condemnation and US Military Presence

• 🗣️ Venezuela's Vice President, Deli Rodriguez, denounced the US actions as "theft of Venezuelan oil" and "international piracy."
• ⚠️ Washington is also increasing its military presence in the region, targeting alleged drug boats and threatening land strikes.
• ⚖️ These actions are part of a campaign against Venezuela's leftist leader, Nicholas Maduro, and aim to counter black market oil activity to sanctioned countries.