The United States government is pursuing increasingly assertive actions against VenezuelaS oil industry, including the pursuit of a third oil tanker this weekend in Caribbean waters [[1]], [[2]]. Following the recent seizures of the *Centuries* and *Skipper* – vessels alleged to be carrying sanctioned crude – the Trump administration has signaled a willingness to directly impede oil shipments to and from the South American nation.These actions are occurring amid already heightened U.S. sanctions targeting the Maduro government and its inner circle, including family members [[1]], and are raising concerns about potential disruptions to global energy markets.
The United States government pursued a third oil tanker in Caribbean waters near Venezuela on Sunday, December 21, 2025, according to U.S. media reports. This action follows the seizure of a Panamanian-flagged tanker on Saturday, which Washington claims was carrying “sanctioned crude” as part of what officials have described as Venezuela’s “ghost fleet.”
The status of the vessel involved in Sunday’s pursuit remains unknown, though reports indicate it is the Panama-flagged Bella 1, en route to Venezuela. It is currently unclear whether the ship was carrying Venezuelan crude oil, a U.S. official told CNN. Both the Pentagon and the Coast Guard have directed all inquiries regarding the operation to the White House, which has not yet confirmed the reports.
If intercepted, it would mark the second cargo ship confiscated this weekend under the direction of President Donald Trump, and the third since Washington intensified efforts to disrupt the flow of crude oil to and from the South American nation. These actions represent a significant escalation in pressure on the government of Nicolás Maduro.
Second Ship Confiscated
On Saturday, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the confiscation of the Panamanian-flagged tanker Centuries, alleging it was transporting crude oil from the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA, which is subject to U.S. sanctions.
Earlier, on December 10, Washington seized the sanctioned vessel Skipper and confiscated its cargo. Following that seizure, President Trump ordered a complete blockade of vessels sanctioned by the U.S. government from entering or leaving the country.
Caracas has rejected the seizures, denouncing the actions as “theft and kidnapping” by the United States. The ongoing confrontations highlight the increasingly strained relationship between Washington and Caracas, and could further destabilize the region’s energy markets.
(mn/efe, Reuters, ap)
