Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Coast Guard is pursuing another tanker helping Venezuela skirt sanctions, US official says

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard has once again taken action against a sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, as the Trump administration continues to target vessels linked to the Venezuelan government. This latest pursuit of the tanker, confirmed by a U.S. official briefed on the situation, is a clear indication of the administration’s determination to enforce sanctions and disrupt the illicit activities of the Venezuelan regime.

The tanker in question, reportedly carrying Venezuelan oil, was spotted by the Coast Guard on Sunday and immediately came under pursuit. This is not the first time the U.S. has taken such action against a Venezuelan tanker. In recent months, the Coast Guard has intercepted several vessels transporting oil from Venezuela, which is currently facing a severe economic and political crisis.

The Trump administration has been ramping up its efforts to put pressure on the Venezuelan government, which has been accused of corruption and human rights abuses. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on the country’s oil industry, a major source of revenue for the regime, in an attempt to force President Nicolas Maduro to step down.

The pursuit of this latest tanker is a clear message to the Maduro regime that the U.S. will not tolerate any attempts to circumvent sanctions and continue its illicit activities. The Coast Guard, along with other U.S. agencies, has been working tirelessly to disrupt the flow of illegal oil and other goods from Venezuela.

The U.S. official who confirmed the pursuit of the tanker also stated that the Coast Guard is working closely with international partners to track and intercept these vessels. This coordinated effort is crucial in ensuring that the sanctions imposed by the U.S. are effectively enforced and that the Maduro regime is held accountable for its actions.

The U.S. has been leading the international community in condemning the Maduro regime and supporting the Venezuelan people in their fight for democracy and freedom. The administration has made it clear that it stands with the people of Venezuela and will continue to take action against those who are responsible for their suffering.

The pursuit of this tanker is just one of the many steps the U.S. is taking to achieve its goal of a peaceful and democratic transition in Venezuela. The administration has also provided humanitarian aid to the Venezuelan people, imposed visa restrictions on regime officials, and recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate interim president.

As the situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate, it is imperative that the international community stands united in its support for the Venezuelan people and holds the Maduro regime accountable for its actions. The U.S. will continue to use all available tools to put pressure on the regime and bring about a positive change for the people of Venezuela.

The pursuit of this sanctioned oil tanker is a clear indication of the Trump administration’s unwavering commitment to promoting democracy and human rights in Venezuela. It sends a strong message to the Maduro regime that the U.S. will not back down in its efforts to hold them accountable for their actions.

The Coast Guard’s actions in the Caribbean Sea serve as a reminder of the important role the U.S. plays in maintaining peace and stability in the region. The administration’s determination to enforce sanctions and disrupt the illicit activities of the Venezuelan government is commendable and should be supported by the international community.

The pursuit of this tanker may seem like a small step, but it is a significant one in the fight against the Maduro regime. The U.S. will continue to take action and work with its partners to bring about positive change in Venezuela and support the Venezuelan people in their quest for a better future.

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