Breaking Escalation: US Coast Guard in Active Pursuit of Third Sanctioned Oil Tanker Off Venezuela Amid Trump Blockade
US Coast Guard pursuit sanctioned vessel, Venezuela oil tanker chase, Trump blockade enforcement 2025, dark fleet interception Caribbean, and Maduro regime pressure are surging in global searches as the U.S. intensifies operations against illicit oil trade in the region.
Tensions are skyrocketing in the Caribbean. On December 21, 2025, U.S. officials confirmed that the Coast Guard is actively pursuing a third sanctioned oil tanker in international waters off Venezuela’s coast, marking the latest enforcement action in President Donald Trump’s declared “total and complete blockade” on sanctioned vessels tied to the Maduro regime.
The vessel, identified as the Bella 1—a “dark fleet” tanker sanctioned by the U.S. in June 2024 for transporting Iranian oil—is described as flying a false flag and part of Venezuela’s sanctions evasion network. Officials speaking anonymously told multiple outlets, including NBC News and Reuters, that the pursuit involves a “sanctioned dark fleet vessel” under a judicial seizure order. This follows two prior interceptions: the sanctioned Skipper on December 10, and the Centuries (carrying sanctioned cargo but not itself listed) on December 20 in a pre-dawn operation supported by the Pentagon.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted the December 20 action on social media, sharing video of helicopters surrounding the tanker and stating, “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.” White House officials have framed these moves as targeting shadow fleets trafficking “stolen” Venezuelan oil to finance the Maduro government.
The operations stem from Trump’s December 16 announcement of the blockade, demanding Venezuela return seized U.S. assets and cease alleged support for terrorism and drug trafficking. A massive U.S. naval buildup in the region, including aircraft carriers and helicopters, has backed the enforcement. Experts note that while many shadow fleet vessels are sanctioned, the actions signal potential expansion—even to non-listed ships carrying Venezuelan crude.
Venezuelan leaders have furiously condemned the pursuits as “piracy” and violations of international law. President Nicolás Maduro vowed to continue oil trade, calling U.S. intentions regime change efforts that “will never happen.” Vice President Delcy Rodríguez denounced the seizures as “theft and hijacking,” promising complaints to the United Nations.
Industry analysts warn of ripple effects. Tanker tracking data shows Venezuelan exports plummeting, with loaded vessels lingering in ports to avoid risk. This could tighten global oil supplies, potentially raising prices, though authorized exports like those by Chevron continue. The interdictions also indirectly squeeze allies like Cuba, reliant on subsidized Venezuelan fuel, worsening its ongoing energy blackouts.
Public reactions are polarized. Supporters hail the moves as tough stance against authoritarianism, with social media posts praising “America standing strong.” Critics, including some U.S. lawmakers, decry escalation risks, labeling it an unauthorized “act of war” without congressional approval. Human rights groups express concern over crew safety and broader regional stability.
For U.S. readers, this hits multiple fronts. It bolsters national security by disrupting alleged narco-funding networks affecting American communities through drugs. Economically, potential oil price hikes could impact gas costs and inflation during the holiday season. Politically, it amplifies debates on executive foreign policy powers amid Trump’s second term. In diaspora hubs like Florida, Venezuelan- and Cuban-Americans closely follow, with many supporting pressure on Maduro while worrying about humanitarian fallout.
As the pursuit unfolds—potentially leading to boarding or seizure—more details on the Bella 1’s cargo and destination are expected. With naval assets deployed, the operation underscores Washington’s commitment to the blockade.
The high-seas drama continues to intensify. As US Coast Guard pursuit sanctioned vessel, Venezuela oil tanker chase, Trump blockade enforcement 2025, dark fleet interception Caribbean, and Maduro regime pressure dominate headlines, the world watches for resolution and possible further actions.
In summary, this active chase of another tanker reinforces the U.S. push against Venezuela’s oil evasion tactics, with implications for energy markets and geopolitics ahead.
By Sam Michael
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