A dramatic escalation in Caribbean waters has ignited international controversy as United States Coast Guard forces intercepted multiple oil tankers operating near Venezuela. The latest seizure occurred on Saturday when US authorities boarded a vessel in international waters, alleging it operated under false flags as part of Venezuela’s ‘shadow fleet’ transporting sanctioned oil.
The White House justified these actions as necessary measures against what it describes as illicit oil trafficking that funds ‘narco-terrorism’ in the region. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem affirmed the administration’s commitment to continuing these interceptions, while President Donald Trump has ordered a comprehensive blockade against sanctioned vessels traveling to or from Venezuelan ports.
China has emerged as a vocal critic of these operations, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian condemning the seizures as violations of international law during a Monday press briefing. Beijing maintains strong opposition to unilateral sanctions lacking UN Security Council authorization and rejects actions that compromise other nations’ sovereignty and security.
The Venezuelan government has denounced the seizures as ‘blatant theft and acts of international piracy,’ vowing that these actions will not go unpunished. Official statements from Caracas have highlighted concerns about the ‘enforced disappearance’ of crew members aboard intercepted vessels.
Regional response has been notably critical, with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva warning that armed intervention in Venezuela would create ‘a humanitarian catastrophe for the hemisphere.’ Multiple Latin American nations and regional organizations have called for diplomatic solutions through United Nations channels.
The strategic significance of these operations is underscored by Venezuela’s status as holder of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, exporting approximately 770,000 barrels daily. Each seized tanker was reportedly carrying around one million barrels of crude oil.
This maritime confrontation occurs against a substantial US military buildup in the Caribbean, including 15,000 personnel, 11 warships featuring the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, and multiple support vessels. Since September, US forces have sunk over 28 vessels allegedly transporting drugs in Caribbean and eastern Pacific waters, resulting in more than 100 fatalities.
Analysts suggest these developments represent not merely economic enforcement but potentially broader geopolitical objectives, with critics alleging the Trump administration may be using naval blockades to precipitate governmental change in Venezuela or create pretexts for military engagement.