The U.S. Southern Command stated the operation was conducted because the Veronica was "defying President Donald Trump's quarantine of sanctioned vessels." A social media post from the Command included a video showing Marines and sailors boarding the tanker.
According to TankerTrackers.com, the Veronica, a crude oil tanker sailing under a Guyanese flag, departed empty from Venezuelan waters in early January. The U.S. military asserts that any oil leaving Venezuela must be "coordinated properly and lawfully."
These seizures are part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government led by President Nicolás Maduro. Earlier this month, President Trump indicated plans to potentially tap into Venezuela's oil reserves following military actions and the seizure of President Maduro.
The U.S. government has imposed sanctions aimed at restricting Venezuela's oil exports, which are a crucial source of revenue for the country. These sanctions are intended to limit the Maduro government's access to funds and to encourage political change. The U.S. has not specified the next steps regarding the seized vessel or its cargo.
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