US Forces Seize Fifth Venezuelan-Linked Oil Tanker in Waters Off Colombia
In a recent development, footage has emerged showing US naval personnel boarding and seizing a fifth oil tanker linked to Venezuela's state-owned oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). The incident occurred in the waters off Colombia, where a flotilla of US warships had been patrolling.
According to eyewitnesses, the tanker was stopped by US coast guard vessels and boarded by US personnel. The crew was reportedly removed from the ship without incident.
The latest seizure brings the total number of Venezuelan-linked oil tankers seized by US forces in recent months to five. The vessels, all carrying PDVSA crude, have been intercepted in various locations along the Caribbean coast, sparking concerns about a possible US effort to strangle Venezuela's economy.
Critics argue that the seizures are an attempt by the US to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government, which has been under international sanctions for years. Others suggest that the move is part of a broader strategy to disrupt global oil supplies and gain leverage in negotiations with Venezuela.
The US government has not commented publicly on the latest incident, but officials have hinted at a growing effort to counter what they see as PDVSA's attempts to circumvent international sanctions. The Venezuelan government has also remained silent on the matter.
As tensions between the US and Venezuela continue to escalate, analysts warn that further seizures could have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets and diplomatic relations.
In a recent development, footage has emerged showing US naval personnel boarding and seizing a fifth oil tanker linked to Venezuela's state-owned oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). The incident occurred in the waters off Colombia, where a flotilla of US warships had been patrolling.
According to eyewitnesses, the tanker was stopped by US coast guard vessels and boarded by US personnel. The crew was reportedly removed from the ship without incident.
The latest seizure brings the total number of Venezuelan-linked oil tankers seized by US forces in recent months to five. The vessels, all carrying PDVSA crude, have been intercepted in various locations along the Caribbean coast, sparking concerns about a possible US effort to strangle Venezuela's economy.
Critics argue that the seizures are an attempt by the US to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government, which has been under international sanctions for years. Others suggest that the move is part of a broader strategy to disrupt global oil supplies and gain leverage in negotiations with Venezuela.
The US government has not commented publicly on the latest incident, but officials have hinted at a growing effort to counter what they see as PDVSA's attempts to circumvent international sanctions. The Venezuelan government has also remained silent on the matter.
As tensions between the US and Venezuela continue to escalate, analysts warn that further seizures could have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets and diplomatic relations.