US Seizes Another Sanctioned Tanker Amid Venezuelan Oil Control Efforts

The US seized the Venezuelan-linked oil tanker Veronica, continuing efforts to control Venezuela's oil industry. Conducted by US forces and the Coast Guard, the operation is part of Trump's campaign to enforce sanctions against Maduro’s regime. Discussions on rebuilding Venezuela's oil industry are underway.

In a continued move to assert control over Venezuela's oil resources, US forces have intercepted another oil tanker with alleged connections to the South American nation. The vessel, known as Veronica, was seized in the Caribbean Sea under orders from the Trump administration, suspicious of its links to sanctioned Venezuelan activities.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced via social media that the US Coast Guard successfully boarded the tanker Thursday morning, believed to be operating against President Trump's quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the region. This seizure marks the sixth interception of a sanctioned tanker under the current administration's strategy targeting Venezuela's oil sector.

The high-profile operation involved Marines and sailors from the USS Gerald R. Ford and a Coast Guard tactical team, culminating in a smooth appropriation of the ship. As the US eyes a rejuvenation of Venezuela's oil industry, President Trump is in talks with oil company executives about a significant investment to boost the nation's oil production and distribution systems.

(With inputs from agencies.)