UPDATE: US forces have seized a second oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, escalating pressure on President Nicolas Maduro amid heightened tensions. This operation, conducted early on Saturday, follows a similar seizure less than two weeks ago and aligns with President Donald Trump‘s recent announcement of a “blockade” on all sanctioned oil tankers operating in or out of the country.
The US Coast Guard, supported by the Department of Defense, intercepted the tanker, named Centuries, which was last docked in Venezuelan waters. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the operation, sharing an unclassified video on social media showing US helicopters landing personnel on the vessel. The Centuries, flagged under Panama, was reportedly spotted near the Venezuelan coast, according to MarineTraffic.
It remains uncertain whether the Centuries is under US sanctions. In a striking statement on X, Secretary Noem emphasized, “The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund narco-terrorism in the region. We will find you, and we will stop you.”
This action is classified as a “consented boarding,” with the tanker voluntarily allowing US forces to board, according to a US official who spoke anonymously. Following the initial seizure of another vessel, the Skipper, on December 10, President Trump asserted that the US would enforce a blockade on Venezuelan oil, increasing the stakes in the ongoing conflict.
The urgency of this situation cannot be understated. As President Trump intensifies his rhetoric against Maduro, asserting that the long-time leader’s days are numbered, the implications of these actions ripple through the region. The US government’s push to cut off oil supplies is seen as a strategic maneuver to undermine Maduro’s regime and disrupt the funding of activities deemed harmful to US interests.
As the situation develops, observers are keenly watching for further US actions and potential responses from the Venezuelan government. The international community’s reaction will also be critical as the US seeks to maintain pressure on Maduro while navigating the complexities of international maritime law and global oil markets.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds and impacts grow more pronounced.
