U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Six More Venezuelan Oil Tankers as Tensions Escalate

Caracas/Washington: Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have reached new heights as Washington imposed sanctions on **six additional Venezuelan oil tankers**, just one day after seizing another vessel off the Venezuelan coast.

U.S. officials say the seized tanker, *Skipper*, was involved in **illegal oil shipments** and will be transferred to an American port for further action. This marks one of the most aggressive steps taken against Caracas since President **Donald Trump returned to the White House**.

### **Venezuela Calls Move “International Maritime Piracy”**

The Venezuelan government strongly condemned the action, calling it “direct international maritime piracy” and accusing the U.S. of escalating hostilities under the guise of law enforcement.

This latest round of sanctions targets not only oil tankers but also **close relatives and business networks** linked to President **Nicolás Maduro**, whom Washington labels as part of an “illegitimate regime.”

### **Military Presence in Region Already Heightened**

The decision comes amid increased U.S. military activity in the region. American warships have been operating in nearby waters for months and have carried out several operations against alleged drug-carrying vessels, resulting in dozens of casualties.

### **Conflicting Claims Over Motives**

The U.S. maintains that its actions are aimed at **curbing illegal narcotics trafficking** and ensuring **strict enforcement of sanctions**. Venezuela, however, accuses Washington of using these justifications to **gain control over its vast oil reserves**, calling the move politically motivated and economically destabilizing.