U.S. Escalates Sanctions Against Venezuela Amid Oil Seizure

The U.S. government has escalated its sanctions against Venezuela following the seizure of the oil tanker The Skipper. According to CBS News, this operation was conducted by U.S. special operations forces and involved the USS Gerald R.

Ford aircraft carrier. The tanker, previously sanctioned for its alleged role in an oil smuggling network involving Iranian oil, was seized for transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the tanker is undergoing a forfeiture process, with plans to take it to a U.S. port.

The New York Times reports that new sanctions target members of President Nicolás Maduro's family and the oil sector, as Maduro's regime continues to face pressure amidst ongoing U.S. military buildup in the region.

Meanwhile, Maduro labeled the seizure as 'international piracy,' asserting that Venezuela will protect its shipping interests. Additionally, The Guardian notes that Trump has threatened strikes on land targets in Venezuela, raising concerns among lawmakers about potential military escalation.

The U.S. Treasury has also sanctioned several shipping companies linked to Maduro's regime, alleging deceptive practices in oil transport. This situation highlights the complex geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, with the potential for further conflict looming.