The U.S. Coast Guard continues its pursuit of a sanctioned oil tanker more than a week after its initial interception attempt. This development is part of President Donald Trump’s pressure on Venezuela, following reports that a dock facility along the shore was targeted.
According to The New York Times, the tanker tried to seek Russian protection by displaying a Russian flag on its side. Identified as Bella 1 by British maritime risk management group Vanguard and a U.S. maritime security source, it is a large crude oil carrier added to the U.S. Treasury Department’s sanctions list last year due to its ties to Iran.
On December 22, Trump confirmed the Coast Guard’s chase of the tanker, which the administration labeled part of Venezuela’s “dark fleet” used to evade U.S. sanctions. This was the second such operation over that weekend.
The ongoing pursuit at sea follows the U.S. targeting of a facility in Venezuela where boats were allegedly loaded with drugs. This marked the first known land operation inside Venezuela since the pressure campaign began. Trump mentioned an explosion at the dock area where drug-loaded boats were targeted during a meeting in Florida.
CNN reported that earlier this month, the CIA conducted a drone strike on a port facility in Venezuela believed to be used by a local gang for drug storage and transportation. Trump did not confirm the strike’s details or perpetrators.
Additionally, the U.S. military carried out a strike in the eastern Pacific Ocean against a drug-smuggling boat, resulting in two fatalities. The Trump administration has reported a total of 107 deaths in 30 strikes since September.
Amidst escalating tensions, Venezuela’s government has not responded to requests for comments. Trump previously authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela and has deployed warships and military forces in the region. The administration aims to combat drug cartels and halt narcotics trafficking into the U.S., while Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro alleges the U.S. seeks to remove him from power.
Susie Wiles, White House chief of staff, stated Trump’s intent to persist in military actions until Maduro yields.