In a move that underscores the United States’ intensified efforts to curb Venezuela’s illicit sanctions-evasion activities, the Coast Guard is reportedly in active pursuit of a sanctioned dark-fleet vessel operating in international waters off the Venezuelan coast.
US Coast Guard Pursuit
According to two U.S. officials who spoke to NBC News, the Coast Guard is tracking a ship that is “flying a false flag and under a judicial seizure order.” One official said, “The United States Coast Guard is in active pursuit of a sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion. It is flying a false flag and under a judicial seizure order.” The vessel’s identity remains undisclosed, but the officials confirmed that the ship’s flag is not the one it claims to fly and that it is subject to a court-ordered seizure.
The pursuit is part of a broader strategy to intercept vessels that are believed to be moving sanctioned oil and other goods out of Venezuela. The Coast Guard’s operations are conducted in international waters, and the officials noted that the pursuit is ongoing and that the vessel is being monitored closely.
Third Vessel Intercepted
If the current chase is successful, it will represent the third time the United States has intercepted a Venezuelan-linked vessel in the Caribbean. The first interception occurred earlier this month when a boat known as the Skipper was seized off the coast of Venezuela. The second vessel was interdicted by the Pentagon on Saturday, a tanker that the White House said carried sanctioned oil on board.
These actions come after a series of high-profile incidents involving U.S. forces and Venezuelan-linked ships. The Skipper was reported to be part of a “dark fleet” that the U.S. has identified as a key conduit for illicit trade. The tanker intercepted by the Pentagon was a separate operation, but it was similarly aimed at stopping the movement of sanctioned goods.
The Coast Guard’s current pursuit is the latest in a string of operations that began in early September. The officials emphasized that the pursuit is in active operation, and that the vessel is believed to be in international waters beyond the jurisdiction of the Venezuelan government.
Tensions Between the U.S. and Venezuela
The heightened activity comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. President Donald Trump has previously conducted strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, actions that have drawn criticism from the Venezuelan government. Trump has also stated that he does not rule out the possibility of war with Venezuela, a statement that has added to the already volatile situation.
In a recent interview, Trump said that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro “doesn’t want to mess around with the United States,” following a series of strikes against alleged Venezuelan drug cartel boats in international waters. These remarks were made in the context of the ongoing dispute over sanctions and illicit trade.
The U.S. officials who spoke to NBC News also mentioned that the Coast Guard operation was first reported by Reuters, indicating that the news has been circulating in the international press. The officials did not provide additional details about the operational specifics, but they confirmed that the pursuit is part of a broader effort to enforce U.S. sanctions against Venezuela.
Visual Context
A photo accompanying the report shows a United States Coast Guard logo displayed on a rescue boat in San Diego, California, on September 28, 2024. The image was captured by Kevin Carter for Getty Images and serves to illustrate the presence of U.S. maritime forces in the region.
Key Takeaways
- The Coast Guard is actively pursuing a sanctioned dark-fleet vessel off Venezuela, marking a third interception in the Caribbean.
- Earlier this month, the Skipper was seized, and a tanker carrying sanctioned oil was interdicted by the Pentagon.
- Tensions remain high, with President Trump citing potential conflict and criticizing Venezuelan actions.
The United States’ continued focus on intercepting Venezuelan vessels signals a sustained commitment to enforcing sanctions and limiting the country’s ability to move illicit goods. The outcome of the current pursuit will likely influence the next phase of U.S. maritime enforcement operations in the region.
Closing
As the Coast Guard maintains its pursuit, the international community watches closely. The interception of another sanctioned vessel would reinforce the United States’ stance against Venezuela’s sanctions-evasion tactics and could have significant implications for regional security and trade dynamics.
