The U.S. Coast Guard continues to pursue a sanctioned oil tanker over a week after the initial interception attempt. This development is part of President Donald Trump’s pressure campaign on Venezuela, following reports that the United States targeted a dock facility along the shore.
According to sources cited by The New York Times, the tanker tried to seek Russian protection by displaying a Russian flag on its side. The vessel, identified as Bella 1 by British maritime risk management group Vanguard and a U.S. maritime security source, is a large crude oil carrier that was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department last year due to its ties to Iran.
President Trump confirmed on December 22 that the U.S. Coast Guard was pursuing the tanker, which is believed to be part of Venezuela’s “dark fleet” used to circumvent U.S. sanctions. This operation marked the second such incident over the weekend.
The pursuit at sea follows the U.S. targeting a facility in Venezuela where boats allegedly loaded with drugs are stationed. This action, acknowledged by Trump, signifies the first known land operation conducted by Washington within Venezuela since the start of the pressure campaign.
In a recent update, CNN reported that the CIA conducted a drone strike on a port facility along the Venezuelan coast earlier this month. The strike targeted a remote dock suspected of being used by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua for drug storage and shipment onto boats.
The U.S. military also confirmed another strike on a drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in two fatalities. These actions are part of the Trump administration’s efforts to combat drug cartels and disrupt drug trafficking operations.
The military buildup in the region includes the deployment of warships, the reinforcement of military forces, and the seizure of oil tankers. President Maduro of Venezuela has accused the U.S. of using military operations to oust him from power, while the White House has expressed intentions to continue targeting illicit activities until Maduro concedes.