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US Seizes Second Oil Tanker Off Coast of Venezuela: Maritime Interdiction Explained

Introduction

In a vital escalation of maritime enforcement, United States forces intercepted and seized a 2d oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela on Saturday, December 20, 2025. This operation, performed by way of the U.S. Coast Guard with give a boost to from the Department of Homeland Security, marks a vital success in Washington’s ongoing drive marketing campaign in opposition to Caracas. The seizure follows contemporary bulletins by way of the Trump organization referring to a “blockade” of sanctioned vessels and happens amidst a considerable U.S. army buildup within the Caribbean. As geopolitical tensions upward thrust, this incident highlights the advanced intersection of cross-border sanctions, power trafficking, and regional safety.

Key Points

Background

The “Blockade” Declaration

The seizure of the Centuries is an instantaneous operational extension of the coverage introduced by way of President Donald Trump days prior. On December 10, the President declared a “blockade” focused on “sanctioned oil vessels” making an attempt to go into or go away Venezuelan ports. This coverage shift reworked usual sanctions enforcement right into a proactive interdiction project, using army property to put in force financial restrictions.

Military Buildup within the Caribbean

For months, the United States has been developing a significant army presence within the Caribbean Sea. According to protection reviews, this armada lately contains 11 U.S. warships. The fleet incorporates the sector’s biggest plane provider, an amphibious attack send, shipping docks, cruisers, and destroyers. While the said number one purpose is preventing Latin American drug trafficking, the strategic focal point has more and more focused on Venezuela.

Previous Interdiction

This contemporary match isn’t remoted. On December 10, U.S. forces seized a special huge oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast. The U.S. Attorney General said that vessel used to be taken with transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela to Iran. These successive movements recommend a sustained marketing campaign to disrupt Venezuela’s oil export networks.

Analysis

The Seizure of the Centuries

The explicit goal of the December 20 operation used to be the Centuries. According to TankerTrackers, a tracking provider, the vessel is Chinese-owned and flies the flag of Panama. Prior to the interdiction, the tanker had loaded roughly 1.8 million barrels of crude oil at a Venezuelan port. It used to be reportedly escorted out of Venezuela’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on December 18 sooner than being seized by way of U.S. forces two days later.

Kristi Noem, the U.S. Homeland Security leader, posted on X (previously Twitter) that the motion used to be taken to forestall the “illicit motion of sanctioned oil this is used to fund narco terrorism.” However, an AFP evaluate famous that the Centuries does no longer seem at the U.S. Treasury Department’s usual public listing of sanctioned entities on the time of the seizure, elevating questions in regards to the explicit criminal foundation for the interdiction.

Venezuela’s Defiance and International Alliances

The Venezuelan govt has reacted with fierce rhetoric. Officials in Caracas categorised the seizure a “robbery and kidnapping,” caution that the ones accountable would “solution to justice and to historical past.” Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, talking on state TV, framed the U.S. presence as “mental struggle” and “interference,” saying that such techniques would no longer intimidate the Venezuelan army.

Furthermore, Venezuela has sought give a boost to from cross-border allies. Venezuelan Attorney General Yvan Gil said that Iran, a key spouse for Caracas, is providing give a boost to “in all spaces” to struggle what they describe as “piracy and cross-border terrorism” by way of the United States.

Geopolitical Tensions at Mercosur Summit

The timing of the interdiction coincided with a summit of the Mercosur company bloc in South America. The presence of U.S. warships and the disaster in Venezuela overshadowed discussions referring to a company maintain the European Union. The summit uncovered regional divisions, with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva caution that armed battle may just result in a “humanitarian disaster.” In distinction, Argentine President Javier Milei, an best friend of Donald Trump, expressed give a boost to for U.S. drive to “loose the Venezuelan folks.”

Practical Advice

For Maritime Stakeholders

Shipping firms and insurers running within the Southern Caribbean should workout excessive warning. The U.S. has signaled a zero-tolerance coverage referring to oil tendencies connected to Venezuela.

• Due Diligence: Conduct rigorous exams on shipment possession and beginning. Even if a vessel isn’t explicitly on a sanctions listing, the shipment itself is also centered.
• Route Planning: Be acutely aware of the expanded U.S. naval presence. The “blockade” implies greater patrols and possible scrutiny inside of Venezuela’s EEZ and surrounding waters.
• Legal Compliance: Consult with maritime criminal mavens in regards to the explicit OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) laws associated with Venezuelan petroleum.

For Observers of International Law

Monitor the criminal justification equipped by way of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The difference between seizing a sanctioned entity as opposed to seizing sanctioned shipment carried by way of a non-sanctioned entity is a vital level of cross-border maritime legislation. The Venezuelan declare of “kidnapping” suggests they view the interdiction as happening inside of their sovereign waters, while the U.S. most likely claims jurisdiction in keeping with the vacation spot or beginning of the shipment.

FAQ

Conclusion

The seizure of the Centuries represents a tangible hardening of the U.S. stance in opposition to Venezuela, shifting from financial sanctions to bodily interdiction of business vessels. By deploying naval property to put in force a blockade on oil shipments, the United States is making an attempt to sever the Maduro regime’s number one financial lifeline. This motion carries top dangers, together with possible escalation with Venezuelan forces or their cross-border backers. As the geopolitical panorama within the Caribbean shifts, the liberty of navigation and the legality of unilateral maritime enforcement will most likely stay topics of intense cross-border debate.

Sources

• Le Monde with AFP
• Department of Homeland Security Official Statements
• TankerTrackers Monitoring Data
• Venezuelan Ministry of Defense Reports