The U.S. seized a second oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast in international waters, Reuters reported Saturday, days after Trump declared a “total blockade“ of all sanctioned vessels—cutting exports by nearly 1 million barrels per day and stranding dozens of ships.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

CARACAS — The United States interdicted and seized a second vessel off Venezuela’s coast in international waters Saturday, U.S. officials told Reuters. The move follows President Donald Trump’s Tuesday announcement of a “total and complete blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.

A Crippling Embargo

The seizure—led by the U.S. Coast Guard—marks the second in weeks and comes amid a military buildup in the region. Venezuela’s crude exports have plummeted since the first tanker was seized last week, with millions of barrels stranded in Venezuelan waters to avoid confiscation.

“I am ordering a TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE of ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela,” Trump said Tuesday.

Shadow Fleet and Sanctions Evasion

Venezuela and its allies—Iran and Russia—have relied on a “shadow fleet“ of sanctioned tankers to disguise oil shipments. Of 70+ vessels in Venezuelan waters, 38 are under U.S. sanctions, with 15 loaded with crude, TankerTrackers.com reported.

Market Impact

China, Venezuela’s biggest oil buyer, imports 600,000+ barrels per day. While global supply remains stable, analysts warn a prolonged blockade could push oil prices higher by removing nearly 1 million barrels per day from the market.

Maduro’s Response

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro accused the U.S. of seeking regime change and controlling the country’s oil—the world’s largest crude reserves. The U.S. military presence has intensified, with strikes on vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean killing at least 100 people, officials said.

What’s Next?

Trump hinted at “land strikes” in Venezuela, signaling further escalation. The blockade’s success hinges on sustained enforcement—and whether China, Iran, and Russia can evade sanctions through shadow fleets.

“The U.S. is sending a clear message: sanctioned oil won’t reach global markets,” a Pentagon official said. The standoff continues.

Original article
Add as a preferred source on Google