Third Oil Tanker Interception: US Remains in Active Pursuit Near Venezuela
US pursues third sanctioned oil tanker near Venezuela amid ongoing interceptions.
The United States is reportedly “in active pursuit” of a third oil tanker linked to Venezuela, following a recent crackdown on the South American nation’s sanctioned crude exports. According to NBC News, the vessel is flying a false flag and is under a judicial seizure order as part of Washington’s efforts to curb sanctions evasion.
Bloomberg reported that the tanker, named Bella 1, was being intercepted en route to Venezuela to load cargo. The pursuit is ongoing, and if successful, it will mark the third Venezuelan-linked tanker intercepted by the US in less than two weeks. Earlier this month, the tanker Skipper was seized near Venezuelan waters, with US authorities announcing plans to retain its oil cargo.
On December 21, the US Coast Guard boarded the Centuries, a Panamanian-flagged supertanker carrying crude oil from Venezuela’s state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA), despite it not being directly on the US sanctions list. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly confirmed that the oil originated from PDVSA, which remains under Washington’s sanctions.
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The sanctions and interdictions follow President Donald Trump’s December 16 order of a “total and complete blockade” on sanctioned tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. Trump also designated Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government as a “foreign terrorist organization,” significantly heightening US pressure on Caracas.
Venezuelan authorities condemned the US actions as “piracy” and accused Washington of attempting regime change and military expansion in Latin America. Oil exports remain Venezuela’s economic lifeline, accounting for the bulk of its foreign revenue, making the US crackdown a major strategic pressure point.
Oil-shipping analysts from TankerTrackers.com noted that dozens of sanctioned vessels remain in Venezuelan waters, reflecting ongoing attempts by Caracas to circumvent restrictions despite intensified US enforcement. The situation continues to escalate, with global energy markets closely monitoring the unfolding events.
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