US forces have intercepted a sixth Venezuelan-linked oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, as Washington continues its efforts to control exports of the country's vast oil reserves.
The vessel, Veronica, was boarded during a predawn operation "without incident" by US military personnel. This latest seizure is part of an ongoing crackdown on vessels that transport sanctioned oil, with the aim of preventing them from being used to circumvent the US embargo.
Since the US military strikes on Venezuela and the removal of President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month, Washington has been working towards a deal worth $500m (£373m), in which Venezuelan crude is sold exclusively to the United States.
However, not all tankers bound for the US have complied with these new regulations. The latest seizure highlights the ongoing challenge of enforcing the ban on exports from Venezuela.
Despite the efforts by the US government, it seems that many vessels are still attempting to breach the blockade, which has resulted in significant losses due to delays and lost revenue. This could be a major concern for some oil companies operating in the region.
The situation is becoming increasingly complex, with both sides displaying a willingness to negotiate. In this context, the US has been working closely with Venezuela's interim government to ensure that exports are conducted in accordance with international law.
It remains to be seen whether these efforts will ultimately lead to a more stable and secure situation for all parties involved. For now, it seems that Washington is keen on maintaining control over the flow of oil from Venezuela, while also trying to balance its diplomatic relationships with both Venezuelan factions.
The vessel, Veronica, was boarded during a predawn operation "without incident" by US military personnel. This latest seizure is part of an ongoing crackdown on vessels that transport sanctioned oil, with the aim of preventing them from being used to circumvent the US embargo.
Since the US military strikes on Venezuela and the removal of President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month, Washington has been working towards a deal worth $500m (£373m), in which Venezuelan crude is sold exclusively to the United States.
However, not all tankers bound for the US have complied with these new regulations. The latest seizure highlights the ongoing challenge of enforcing the ban on exports from Venezuela.
Despite the efforts by the US government, it seems that many vessels are still attempting to breach the blockade, which has resulted in significant losses due to delays and lost revenue. This could be a major concern for some oil companies operating in the region.
The situation is becoming increasingly complex, with both sides displaying a willingness to negotiate. In this context, the US has been working closely with Venezuela's interim government to ensure that exports are conducted in accordance with international law.
It remains to be seen whether these efforts will ultimately lead to a more stable and secure situation for all parties involved. For now, it seems that Washington is keen on maintaining control over the flow of oil from Venezuela, while also trying to balance its diplomatic relationships with both Venezuelan factions.
I'm literally freaking out about this US intercepting another oil tanker linked to Venezuela!!! 
Like what's going on here?! 
Can't we just get some answers?! 
The fact that the US is trying to control exports of Venezuela's vast oil reserves is like, super concerning. Are they just trying to dictate who gets access to that oil? 
And what about the diplomatic relationships with both factions in Venezuela? Like is it just a game of cat and mouse here?! 
The US is working closely with the interim government, but still, so many vessels are trying to breach the blockade... this could get really messy! 
I need some clarity on this situation ASAP! 
. I mean, who needs international law when you've got a fat wallet and some military hardware, right? 
It's like they're trying to make up for something... but honestly, it's hard to feel too bad for Venezuela right now. Those oil reserves are basically the country's lifeblood. And let's be real, if the US can just muscle its way into getting that $500m deal, I'm sure they'll be singing "USA! USA!" all the way back to Washington 
. But seriously, this whole situation is a bit of a mess. Can't we all just get along and find a way to divide that oil without resorting to brinksmanship? 
man this whole thing just feels like another example of the US trying to exert its influence over Venezuela's economy... like back in '98 when they did that same drill with PDVSA and it kinda messed up their whole industry 
anyway, it's still weird how some oil companies aren't even bothering to follow the new rules 
complicated. On one hand, I get it, they want to make sure their own interests are protected, but on the other hand, it feels like they're trying to strangle the country economically. 
I remember when I was younger, my dad used to work in the oil industry and he always said that stability was key. But now, it seems like everyone's trying to play both sides against each other.
️
and they gotta navigate through all these rules and regulations just to get their oil to the US market 
meanwhile, venezuela's still trying to find its footing after all that drama 
but one thing's for sure - we need that oil 
it's like they're playing a game of chess but i don't get the rules 
. why can't they just agree on something already? it's not like there's that much oil at stake, right? 
And now they're tryin' to control everythin' they export? It's like, they can't even get it right with Iran sanctions... 
Still, I guess it's all about keepin' the oil flowin', 'specially if they wanna keep their economy afloat 
It's like a big game of cat and mouse, but instead of cat, it's the US and Venezuela going at each other over who gets to control the oil flow. Meanwhile, we're all just sitting here waiting for our electric bills to skyrocket 
to represent this situation...
Anyway, it's clear that Washington is more concerned about getting their hands on Venezuela's oil than actually helping the country recover from all the chaos they've caused. Can't say I'm surprised, though - the US has a history of playing hardball with other nations when it comes to resources. 
. They're not hurting anyone by selling oil abroad 
The more they crack down, the more people wanna circumvent 
It's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out, especially with the $500m deal on the table 
