US Seizes Venezuelan Tanker, Exports Drop, Sanctions Tighten
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Washington, U.S. forces seized a Venezuelan supertanker in early December, asserting the vessel carried sanctioned crude linked to an oil network supporting Hezbollah and Iran’s IRGC. Authorities unsealed a warrant signed in late November and Coast Guard executed the seizure after helicopter-borne boarding. Shipping data shows only Chevron-chartered tankers sailed from Venezuela and that about 11 million barrels remain stuck offshore, while one seized vessel held approximately 1.85 million barrels. The Treasury added sanctions on relatives and six shipping firms. Lawmakers received classified briefings as the administration expanded maritime pressure in Caribbean. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- Late November: Magistrate judge signs warrant related to the tanker (Nov 25/26 cited).
- Early December: U.S. Coast Guard and forces board and seize the tanker Skipper off Venezuela.
- Days after seizure: Shipping data show about 11 million barrels stuck and tankers making u-turns.
- U.S. Treasury imposes sanctions on relatives and six shipping companies tied to shipments.
- Mid-December: Congressional classified briefings occur as the administration explains its Venezuela strategy.
- Articles Published:
- 6
- Right Leaning:
- 0
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 6
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%
U.S. enforcement agencies and allied partners gained increased operational leverage and legal grounds to pursue sanctioned shipping networks and to justify maritime pressure.
Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA, the Maduro government's export revenues, tanker crews, and Venezuelan civilians suffered economic disruption and constrained fuel shipments following the seizure and sanctions.
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US Seizes Venezuelan Tanker, Exports Drop, Sanctions Tighten
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