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US seizes second vessel near Venezuela as Trump administration ramps up pressure on Caracas
The U.S. Coast Guard led the second seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker near Venezuela amid a military buildup and a blockade aimed at cutting Maduro's oil revenue.
- Reuters first reported that on Dec. 20, 2025, the United States Coast Guard is seizing a second sanctioned vessel off Venezuela in international waters.
- Following last week's seizure of The Skipper, an elite U.S. Coast Guard tactical operations team, President Donald Trump announced a blockade on Dec. 16 of all sanctioned oil tankers.
- U.S. military helicopters are dropping off Coast Guard personnel and observing operations overhead, while anonymous U.S. officials said the Coast Guard is leading the interdiction and declined to disclose the location.
- Loaded vessels have remained in Venezuelan waters, sharply reducing Venezuelan crude exports, and analysts warn the embargo could push oil prices higher.
- Observers say the moves form part of a wider pressure campaign on Venezuela's oil, with a shadow fleet disguising trades since 2019 while China remains a major buyer at roughly 4%.
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After a new seizure of the tanker off the coast of Venezuela.
US Seizes Second Oil Tanker off the Coast of Venezuela
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. The United States seized a second oil vessel off the coast of Venezuela, marking the latest escalation in tensions between the two countries, according to US officials cited by Al Jazeera. World News | US Seizes Second Oil Tanker off the Coast of Venezuela.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources305
Leaning Left41Leaning Right44Center61Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Center
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources are Center
42% Center
L 28%
C 42%
R 30%
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