US Forces Seize Another Venezuelan-Linked Oil Tanker Amid Ongoing Control Efforts

In a significant development, US forces have seized an oil tanker in the Caribbean, which officials from the Trump administration claim has connections to Venezuela. This marks the sixth tanker detainment as the United States intensifies efforts to assert control over Venezuelan oil resources.

Details of the Seizure

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the US Coast Guard had boarded the tanker, Veronica, early on Thursday morning. According to Noem, the vessel had previously navigated through Venezuelan waters and was reportedly operating against President Donald Trump’s established “quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean.”

The operation involved US Marines and sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, alongside a tactical team from the Coast Guard, which conducted the boarding without any incidents.

Context of the Operations

The Veronica represents the sixth sanctioned tanker seized by US forces, as part of President Trump’s commitment to gaining indefinite control over the production, refining, and global distribution of Venezuela’s oil. Notably, this seizure follows the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, marking the fourth ship detained since that military operation occurred two weeks ago.

Venezuela’s Response

Amid these tensions, Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, addressed the parliament, announcing forthcoming reforms to the legal framework governing the nation’s oil sector. The proposed adjustments to the Hydrocarbons Law aim to limit foreign involvement in extracting Venezuela’s national resources.

Rodriguez indicated that these reforms would impact the so-called anti-blockade law, which is designed to equip the government with methods to counter US sanctions imposed since 2019. She emphasized that the planned legal modifications would facilitate investments in “new fields, fields that have seen no investment, and areas lacking infrastructure.” Furthermore, Rodriguez assured that oil revenues would be directed towards supporting workers and public services, highlighting the crucial role of oil exports as Venezuela’s primary revenue source.

Future Perspectives

In light of Maduro’s abduction, President Trump has claimed that the United States now exerts control over Venezuela’s oil sector, expressing that the takeover of the country’s boreal oil reserves is a central objective of military measures against both the nation and its leadership. During a recent address to oil executives, Trump stated, “You’re dealing with us directly and not dealing with Venezuela at all. We don’t want you to deal with Venezuela.”

With about one-fifth of the world’s oil reserves, Venezuela was once a prominent crude supplier to the United States. However, in 2024, the country produced merely 1 percent of global crude output, according to OPEC, a decrease attributed to years of underinvestment, sanctions, and embargoes.

Conclusion

The recent seizure of the Veronica highlights the escalating conflict over Venezuela’s oil resources, as the US works to solidify its dominance following President Maduro’s capture. The unfolding situation reflects broader geopolitical struggles regarding control over vital natural resources.

• US forces have seized the oil tanker Veronica, claiming ties to Venezuela.
• This operation marks the sixth tanker detained in an effort to control Venezuelan oil.
• Venezuela’s leadership plans reforms to enhance its oil sector amid US sanctions.
• President Trump emphasizes direct engagement with oil executives, sidelining Venezuela.