Washington, Dec 22 (V7N) - The United States has seized a second oil tanker operating off the coast of Venezuela, escalating its enforcement actions against what Washington describes as illicit maritime activity linked to the Maduro government.

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on Saturday that the operation was carried out by the US Coast Guard with support from the Pentagon. She stated that the move was part of broader efforts to halt illegal oil shipments allegedly used to finance narcotics trafficking and terrorist activities. According to US authorities, all unauthorized oil tanker movements to and from Venezuela will be blocked under this policy.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump announced a comprehensive blockade on oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela without US approval. The decision marks a significant tightening of maritime restrictions and reflects the administration’s hardline stance toward Caracas.

The New York Times reported that President Trump has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of oil smuggling and theft, although no supporting evidence was publicly presented. The Maduro government has repeatedly rejected such allegations, calling US actions an act of economic aggression and a violation of international law.

US officials maintain that the seizures are lawful and necessary to disrupt financial networks tied to organized crime and terrorism. Meanwhile, analysts warn that the growing confrontation could further strain relations between Washington and Caracas and deepen Venezuela’s ongoing economic crisis, which is already heavily affected by international sanctions.

The US Coast Guard and Homeland Security Department have indicated that maritime monitoring operations in the Caribbean will continue, with further enforcement actions possible in the coming days.

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