The United States has ramped up its aggressive campaign against Venezuela's oil industry, strategizing to seize more tankers as part of an effort to financially destabilize Nicolás Maduro's government.
This operation, carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Coast Guard with assistance from the Department of Defense, targeted a shipment valued at approximately $80 million. This sum represents about 5% of Venezuela's monthly spending on essential imports.
According to The Wall Street Journal, as reported by Infobae, this move deals a more significant blow to the Maduro regime than actions against drug-linked vessels, as it threatens the oil revenue critical for the government's survival.
Oil revenue is vital to Venezuela, historically accounting for over 90% of the nation's export income. Furthermore, individuals close to President Maduro have been accused of embezzling part of the billions generated annually by this industry, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The White House has confirmed it will retain the oil transported by the tanker Skipper, previously sanctioned for moving Iranian oil. Investigators are currently questioning the crew under a court order, according to France 24.
The impact is already visible in Venezuelan ports, where about a dozen ships are waiting off the country's main oil terminal, none daring to dock. Under normal circumstances, at least ten tankers would be loading simultaneously.
A port official reported widespread absenteeism among workers, fearing future U.S. actions.
Washington's offensive includes an increasing military presence in the Caribbean, actions against vessels alleged to be involved in drug trafficking, and explicit threats of bombing.
President Trump, in his usual manner, declared that Maduro's "days are numbered" and did not rule out a ground invasion if the Maduro regime persists in its defiance.
The White House maintains that the seizure is intended to halt the sanctioned oil trade that funds what it terms "narco-terrorism by illegitimate regimes."
The pressure extends beyond Venezuela. American media outlet Axios reported that the captured tanker was bound for Cuba as part of an illegal network supplying the island with Venezuelan and Iranian crude.
Sources described a scheme whereby Havana resells oil on the international black market, involving relatives of Raúl Castro.
For Washington, this represents a "double blow" to Maduro's finances and the interests of the Cuban apparatus supporting him.
The Treasury Department has added sanctions against over a dozen operators and companies, including relatives of Cilia Flores, Maduro's wife.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused the Venezuelan government of "flooding the United States with drugs," while Caracas denounced the operation as "international piracy" and condemned the "kidnapping" of the crew.
The United Nations expressed concern over the escalation and urged restraint to prevent regional destabilization.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan economist Francisco Rodríguez from the University of Denver warned The Wall Street Journal that seizing even one tanker per month could push Venezuela back into recession, as the country is already forced to sell oil at steep discounts and deplete its international reserves to curb inflation.
Implications of U.S. Actions on Venezuelan Oil
How does the U.S. seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers impact Venezuela's economy?
The seizure of oil tankers by the U.S. drastically affects Venezuela’s economy as oil exports constitute over 90% of its income. Disrupting this flow threatens the country's financial stability and could force it back into recession.
Why is the United States targeting Venezuelan oil shipments?
The U.S. aims to cut off financial resources for Nicolás Maduro's government, which it considers illegitimate, by halting the sanctioned oil trade that allegedly funds "narco-terrorism."
What are the broader geopolitical implications of the U.S. actions in the Caribbean?
The increased U.S. military presence and actions in the Caribbean aim to exert pressure on Venezuela and Cuba, potentially leading to heightened tensions and instability in the region.