The US Coast Guard is currently in an “active pursuit” of a vessel operating in international waters near Venezuela, as reported by officials to CBS News. This development comes amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly concerning Venezuela’s alleged illicit activities.
Earlier this month, US authorities intercepted two oil tankers, one of which was seized on Saturday. The pursuit on Sunday specifically targets a “sanctioned dark fleet vessel linked to Venezuela’s efforts to evade sanctions,” according to a US official. The vessel is reportedly flying a false flag and is subject to a judicial seizure order.
The US government has accused Venezuela of leveraging its oil revenue to support drug-related crime. Conversely, Venezuelan officials have labeled the recent tanker seizures as acts of “theft and kidnapping.” This ongoing conflict underscores the deteriorating relations between the two nations and highlights the complexities of maritime law enforcement in the region.
The situation reflects broader geopolitical dynamics and the challenges posed by illegal activities on the high seas, while also emphasizing the commitment of US authorities to uphold maritime law and combat sanctions evasion.
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