In brief
The US Coast Guard is actively pursuing a third oil tanker linked to Venezuela amid increased sanctions and claims of illegal oil trafficking. This comes after the seizure of two tankers already this month as part of the US's strategy to combat the Venezuelan government’s actions perceived as piracy. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned these maneuvers, labeling them as theft of the country's oil resources.
The US Coast Guard is in 'active pursuit' of a vessel in international waters near Venezuela as tensions in the region continue to escalate.
US authorities have already seized two oil tankers this month - one of them seized recently on Saturday. The current pursuit is of a 'sanctioned dark fleet vessel part of Venezuela's illegal sanctions evasion,' according to US officials.
The US has accused Venezuela of using oil money to fund drug-related crime, while Venezuela retaliates by labeling the tanker seizures as 'piracy.'
The sought vessel is identified as the Bella 1, a large crude oil carrier allegedly en route to pick up oil. This vessel is already on the US sanctions list for carrying sanctioned cargo.
Last week, amidst rising actions against Venezuela, President Maduro denounced US maneuvers as 'piracy' while China voiced support for Venezuela, condemning US sanctions as illegal.
