Tensions in the Caribbean

Sources: US boards third ship off Venezuela

The US is boarding a third oil tanker in international waters off Venezuela, government sources told several media outlets.

It is said to be the Panamanian-flagged oil tanker Bella 1, which is under US sanctions. The White House has not commented.

As recently as yesterday, the US seized another oil tanker, the Chinese-owned and Panamanian-flagged Centuries. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted a clip on X in which a military helicopter lowers soldiers onto the deck.

Trump has imposed a “total blockade” on sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela. This has resulted in ships loaded with millions of barrels of oil remaining in Venezuelan waters to avoid US intervention.

Venezuela reacts strongly – promises response to the US

The Venezuelan government is reacting strongly to the US seizing yet another ship off the country’s coast, Reuters reports. In a statement, the government calls the action piracy.

“These actions will not go unpunished,” the government says.

Venezuela also promises to take all necessary measures to respond to the US. This includes filing a complaint with the UN Security Council.

It is the second oil tanker that the US has seized. Donald Trump has declared a “total blockade” against ships that have been sanctioned and are on their way to or from Venezuela.