Reuters: US Operation to Seize Tanker off Venezuela

The United States is attempting to seize a tanker off the coast of Venezuela in international waters, according to Reuters.

U.S. officials stated that the operation comes days after President Trump announced a naval 'blockade' of tankers subject to sanctions sailing to or from Venezuela.

The U.S. Coast Guard is leading the operation, in cooperation with other U.S. agencies. This is the second tanker seizure by the U.S. in the region. Following the first seizure, an informal embargo has been imposed, with many ships remaining in Venezuelan territorial waters to avoid seizure.

Trump had announced on Tuesday a 'complete blockade' of all tankers carrying oil to or from Venezuela.