The U.S. Coast Guard is still actively pursuing a sanctioned oil tanker, more than a week after the initial interception attempt. This development is part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to increase pressure on Venezuela. The tanker in question reportedly tried to seek protection by displaying a Russian flag on its side, as reported by The New York Times.
The vessel, identified as Bella 1 by British maritime risk management group Vanguard and a U.S. maritime security source, is a large crude oil carrier that was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department last year due to its connections to Iran. President Trump confirmed on December 22 that the U.S. Coast Guard was pursuing the tanker, which is allegedly part of Venezuela’s “dark fleet” used to avoid U.S. sanctions.
Recent events include a U.S. strike on a facility in Venezuela where boats were allegedly loaded with drugs, marking the first known land operation inside Venezuela since the pressure campaign began. CNN reported that the CIA conducted a drone strike on a port facility used by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua for drug storage and shipping operations.
In addition to these actions, the U.S. military carried out a strike against a drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in two casualties. The Trump administration has conducted at least 30 strikes since early September, resulting in the deaths of 107 individuals.
President Trump authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela in October. The U.S. has also deployed warships, bolstered military presence in the region, and seized two oil tankers besides the ongoing pursuit of Bella 1. The administration has emphasized its conflict with drug cartels and its aim to halt narcotics trafficking into the U.S.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the U.S. of attempting to remove him from power through military actions. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles stated in a recent interview that Trump intends to continue targeting vessels until Maduro gives in.
The Venezuelan government’s press office did not immediately respond to requests for comments on these recent developments.
