The US Coast Guard has increased enforcement against Venezuela-bound oil tankers, marking an intensification in enforcement against Maduro regime oil export networks. Recent operations include seizures and chases off Venezuelan coast with President Donald Trump promising to capture any evasive vessels.
Pursuit of the Bella 1
The tanker Bella 1, a 300,000 deadweight ton vessel with a sanctions history, is the primary target of the ongoing standoff. US forces began tracking it after it departed Venezuelan waters, with the Coast Guard monitoring fuel levels, speed changes, and potential ship-to-ship transfers. Officials report the ship moves at about 12-13 knots, prompting preparations for a high-risk boarding by specialized Maritime Security Response Teams equipped for oil-coated decks and non-cooperative crews.
Trump made clear the United States would eventually acquire the vessel, vowing not to permit any attempt at undercutting sanctions at sea. Coast Guard commanders weigh factors like sea conditions, crew compliance and risk escalation before making decisions to attempt forced entry; failing could embolden other tankers and affect global energy markets adversely.
Recent Asset Seizures in the Caribbean
US forces quickly interdicted a second tanker Saturday after it stopped in international waters and consented to being boarded, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Department of Defense support. Noem noted the vessel had last docked in Venezuela; unlike previous targets it wasn't listed among US, EU, UK or UN sanctions lists as reported by tracking firm Kpler.
Earlier, on December 10, the large crude carrier Skipper was intercepted, representing the most concerted US effort to sever financial links sustaining Venezuelas government. A third vessel, Evana, was tracked moving restricted oil, with reports of it docked at El Palito port in Puerto Cabello as of December 21. These moves come amid a Trump-ordered blockade aimed at stopping smuggling of illicit oil, alongside fentanyl-related strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
Venezuela has denounced these actions as international piracy while China has declared US seizures a grave violation of international law. US Energy Information Administration data demonstrates Venezuelas oil exports are shifting away from US-bound barrels and towards China nearly doubling, while volumes bound for Malaysia also show complex ownership chains and transfers.
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US Southern Command and Coast Guard cutters monitor multiple triggers, such as course corrections toward Venezuelan ports or neutral anchorages, with US Southern Command tracking multiple triggers as a way of exerting pressure on Maduro's network and creating diplomatic leverage over Asian oil routes should disruptions occur. Analysts note that domestic fuel prices will unlikely be directly impacted from isolated black market seizures; however, tanker testing of US resolve could spark ripple effects through sanctions enforcement enforcement.
These events highlight intensifying maritime security in the Caribbean, where tankers must navigate a web of sanctions, interdictions and geopolitical tensions. While PDVSA claims some shipments comply with regulations, US officials assert their pursuits target illicit trade sustaining restricted regimes.