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In a significant escalation of tensions, the United States has seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela and imposed new financial sanctions targeting relatives of President Nicolás Maduro and companies involved in moving Venezuelan oil.
The dual actions signal a hardening of U.S. policy aimed at cutting off the financial resources of Maduro's government, which Washington has labeled a "corrupt narco-terrorist regime".
The Tanker Seizure: “An Act of Piracy”
The dramatic escalation began on Wednesday, December 11, when U.S. forces boarded and seized the oil tanker Skipper in international waters off Venezuela's coast.
- The Operation: Video released by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi showed camouflaged personnel fast-roping from a helicopter onto the tanker’s deck and entering the ship’s bridge with weapons raised.
- The Vessel: The Skipper (previously named Adisa) was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2022 for its alleged role in an oil smuggling network supporting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
- Cargo & Destination: The tanker had loaded approximately 1.9 million barrels of Venezuelan crude and was reportedly headed to Cuba. The oil is valued at around $84 million.
U.S. Stance
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the vessel, described as a "sanctioned shadow vessel", would be taken to a U.S. port. The oil cargo will be seized through legal forfeiture proceedings.
She added that the U.S. would not "stand by and watch sanctioned vessels sail the seas with black market oil."
Venezuela’s Response
President Nicolás Maduro condemned the seizure as an "act of piracy", accusing Washington of attempting to steal Venezuela’s oil. He claimed the crew had been “kidnapped” and vowed that Venezuela would defend its ships and its right to trade oil.
New Sanctions Target “Narco-Nephews” and Oil Network
On Thursday, December 12, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced a new sanctions package directly targeting individuals close to Maduro and companies involved in Venezuela’s oil exports.
Sanctioned Individuals
- Efrain Antonio Campo Flores & Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas — Nephews of First Lady Cilia Flores, known as the “narco-nephews.” Convicted in the U.S. in 2016 on drug trafficking charges and released in a 2022 prisoner swap. Treasury alleges they continue drug trafficking activities.
- Carlos Erik Malpica Flores — Another nephew and former Venezuelan national treasurer, redesignated under U.S. sanctions.
- Ramon Carretero Napolitano — Panamanian businessman accused of facilitating oil shipments and maintaining business ties with the Maduro family.
Sanctioned Shipping Companies and Vessels
- Myra Marine Limited (Marshall Islands) — Vessel: WHITE CRANE (Cook Islands)
- Arctic Voyager Incorporated (Marshall Islands) — Vessel: KIARA M (Panama)
- Poweroy Investment Limited (British Virgin Islands) — Vessel: H. CONSTANCE (Panama)
- Ready Great Limited (Marshall Islands) — Vessel: LATTAFA (Panama)
- Sino Marine Services Limited (United Kingdom) — Vessel: TAMIA (Hong Kong)
- Full Happy Limited (Marshall Islands) — Vessel: MONIQUE (Cook Islands)
The Treasury Department stated that these vessels recently loaded crude oil in Venezuela and used deceptive tactics, including manipulating location signals, to hide their movements.
Broader Context and International Reactions
The seizure and sanctions come amid a broader U.S. pressure campaign that includes military deployments in the Caribbean and airstrikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats.
- U.S. Strategy: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measures reverse the Biden administration’s failed engagement with Maduro and aim to hold the regime accountable.
- Venezuelan Opposition: Opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado praised the actions as “decisive,” arguing oil revenues fund repression.
- International Support: Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed support for Maduro, discussing deeper energy and economic cooperation.
- U.S. Criticism: Senator Dick Durbin questioned the legality of the tanker seizure, warning it could constitute an act of war without Congressional approval.
Targeting the “Shadow Fleet”
The seized Skipper is part of the global “shadow fleet” — aging tankers used by sanctioned states like Venezuela, Iran, and Russia to move oil covertly.
- Disabling or spoofing tracking transponders
- Flying false flags
- Conducting ship-to-ship transfers at sea
Analysts say the physical seizure of a tanker marks a dangerous escalation. “The cost of doing business with Venezuela just went way up,” said maritime analyst Claire Jungman.
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What Comes Next?
Oil prices rose modestly on supply concerns, though Venezuela produces less than 1% of global output. U.S. officials have not ruled out further seizures, raising fears of a de facto oil blockade.
As tensions escalate, the Caribbean is emerging as a new geopolitical flashpoint, with the world watching how Venezuela and its allies respond.