US Attempts to Seize Second Tanker off the Coast of Venezuela

The United States is attempting to seize a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela in international waters. This was reported by three U.S. officials to Reuters, days after President Donald Trump announced a naval "blockade" of tankers subject to sanctions attempting to approach or depart from Venezuela.

The officials, who requested anonymity, did not specify the exact location of the operation but stated that the Coast Guard is leading it. The Coast Guard and the Pentagon referred inquiries to the White House, which has not yet responded.

This would be the second tanker seizure by the Coast Guard, in cooperation with other U.S. agencies. Trump had declared on Tuesday a "complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going to or leaving Venezuela."

Following the seizure of the first tanker last week, an informal embargo has been imposed, with ships carrying millions of barrels of oil remaining in Venezuelan territorial waters to avoid seizure.

Source: ΚΥΠΕ