US Seizes Venezuelan Ship in International Waters

The United States has seized a ship off the coast of Venezuela in international waters, according to statements from U.S. officials to Reuters. This marks the second time in recent weeks that the U.S. has seized a tanker in the region, amid increased military presence.

This move follows an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of a 'blockade' of all oil tankers subject to sanctions entering or leaving Venezuela. The officials, who wished to remain anonymous, did not disclose the location of the operation, but stated that the coast guard is taking the lead role.

Venezuela's Oil Ministry and state oil company PDVSA have not commented. Trump had stated that he ordered the 'COMPLETE AND TOTAL BLOCKADE OF ALL OIL TANKERS ENTERING AND LEAVING VENEZUELA'.

Since the first seizure, Venezuela's crude oil exports have significantly decreased. While many ships carrying oil in Venezuela are subject to sanctions, others carrying oil from Iran and Russia have not been sanctioned. The American company Chevron continues to transport Venezuelan oil with authorized ships.