US forces pursue another Venezuelan oil tanker amid escalating tensions

(MENAFN) US authorities are reportedly tracking another Venezuelan-linked oil tanker as tensions continue to rise in the Caribbean. If the vessel is intercepted, it would mark the third tanker seized since December 10, according to reports.

The operation reportedly involves the Bella 1, a Panama-registered tanker that is under US sanctions and was said to be heading toward Venezuela to take on crude. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the ship is the focus of a US Coast Guard "operation."

So far, neither Washington nor Caracas has released an official statement addressing the latest reported pursuit.

The move follows recent actions against other vessels, including the boarding of the Centuries supertanker on Saturday and the interception of the Skipper earlier this month on December 10.

These developments are unfolding against the backdrop of worsening relations between the United States and Venezuela. US President Donald Trump has announced a "total and complete blockade" targeting sanctioned oil tankers traveling to or from Venezuela.

Venezuelan authorities have denounced the US actions, describing them as "international piracy."

While US officials argue that the measures are intended to curb corruption and drug trafficking, Caracas has countered that Washington is using anti-narcotics enforcement as a justification to undermine President Nicolas Maduro’s government and assert control over the country’s vast oil reserves.

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