US Coast Guard Tracks Venezuela Tanker Amid Tensions

Published: 22 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The United States Coast Guard has initiated another pursuit of an oil tanker sailing near Venezuela, escalating Washington’s ongoing pressure campaign targeting the South American nation’s oil industry. Officials described the action as an “active pursuit” in the Caribbean Sea, following the seizure of another vessel off Venezuela’s coast a day earlier. This marks the third US operation involving Venezuelan oil tankers within the past week, reflecting intensifying geopolitical tensions in the region.

Unnamed US officials told both the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse that the vessel currently under pursuit is a “sanctioned dark fleet ship” allegedly engaged in Venezuela’s illicit sanctions evasion activities. According to reports, the ship was flying a false flag and was subject to a judicial seizure order. News outlets identified the vessel as the Bella 1, an oil tanker sanctioned since 2024 due to purported connections to Iran and Hezbollah.

Late Saturday, US forces approached the vessel, but it refused boarding and continued to sail, with authorities describing the situation as still ongoing. Data from TankerTrackers, a specialist monitoring site, indicated the Bella 1 was heading toward Venezuela but was not carrying any cargo at the time.

The operation aligns with US President Donald Trump’s recent declaration of a blockade targeting all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. Trump’s administration has strengthened military presence in the region and executed more than two dozen strikes on vessels in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean near Venezuela. These military actions have reportedly resulted in at least 100 deaths.

Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, addressed concerns over the impact of the seizures on domestic oil prices during an appearance on CBS News’s Face the Nation. Hassett emphasised that the first two tankers apprehended were operating illegally, supplying oil to countries under sanctions, and that Americans should not worry about price increases. Nevertheless, oil traders warned that the heightened geopolitical tensions could push oil prices higher when Asian markets reopen, despite expectations of a potential end to the war in Ukraine providing some stabilisation.

The second merchant vessel carrying oil was apprehended off Venezuela’s coast on Saturday in international waters, reinforcing the ongoing American blockade. This follows the initial seizure of a tanker on 10 December, both of which were en route to Asia.

Republican Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma commented on CNN’s State of the Union regarding potential US intervention, expressing support for a US-backed regime change in Venezuela. Lankford stated that Maduro “is not the recognized leader of Venezuela,” referencing the 2024 presidential election defeat to former diplomat Edmundo González.

Tensions continue to mount as Trump and his advisers have not ruled out open conflict with Venezuela, while Maduro has urged the Venezuelan navy to escort oil tankers, directly challenging the US fleet, the largest deployed in the region in decades. Following the initial tanker seizure, the Venezuelan government condemned the action as “blatant theft” and “international piracy.”

In an interview with NBC News, Trump confirmed that military engagement with Maduro’s regime remains a possibility, emphasising that the US continues to keep all options on the table. Analysts warn that the situation poses ongoing risks for regional stability and global oil markets, as Washington intensifies its measures against Caracas.

The unfolding events underscore the heightened geopolitical stakes in the Caribbean, with the US focusing on enforcing sanctions and Maduro resisting external pressure. While domestic officials seek to reassure citizens about energy prices, international observers remain alert to potential escalations that could reverberate far beyond Venezuela’s coast. The pursuit of the Bella 1 represents a continuation of the US’s assertive approach, illustrating a broader strategy of leveraging military presence and economic sanctions to influence Maduro’s government.

As tensions persist, the interplay between US sanctions enforcement and Venezuelan defiance highlights complex international law questions regarding maritime jurisdiction, sovereignty, and sanctions compliance. Experts note that repeated seizures and confrontations could provoke broader confrontations if diplomatic solutions are not pursued. At the same time, the impact on global energy security remains a concern, with analysts monitoring shipping routes, oil supply flows, and market reactions to any disruptions caused by these maritime operations.

Despite Washington’s assurance that energy markets will remain stable, regional instability could encourage speculative trading, creating uncertainty for oil-importing nations and international companies dependent on Venezuelan oil. Moreover, the political narrative in both countries continues to influence public perception, shaping domestic support for government policies and strategic decisions.

This incident also sheds light on the controversial use of sanctions and blockades as tools of foreign policy, demonstrating how economic pressure is intertwined with military operations. While the US aims to curtail Maduro’s resources, the Venezuelan administration’s vocal condemnation and defensive measures reflect enduring resistance to external interference. The situation is evolving rapidly, and the international community is closely monitoring developments to assess potential consequences for maritime law, diplomacy, and regional security.

The ongoing pursuit of the Bella 1 underscores the persistent complexity of enforcing sanctions in contested waters, highlighting both legal and strategic challenges for US authorities. Observers emphasise that successful enforcement requires coordination among intelligence agencies, naval forces, and international partners, alongside careful navigation of international norms. The high-profile nature of these operations ensures sustained media attention, amplifying scrutiny on the decisions of both the US and Venezuelan governments.

As the week progresses, further actions may unfold in the Caribbean, shaping the broader narrative around US foreign policy in Latin America. Analysts suggest that while the immediate goal is to restrict Venezuela’s sanctioned oil exports, the long-term implications for diplomatic relations, regional stability, and energy markets remain uncertain. Policymakers will need to balance enforcement with negotiation to prevent escalation, recognising that miscalculations could trigger unintended consequences with far-reaching effects.