By Harshit
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 — 9 AM EDT
The United States has intensified its economic and maritime pressure on Venezuela, unveiling a fresh round of sanctions targeting shipping companies, vessels, and individuals accused of moving Venezuelan oil and providing financial lifelines to President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The move comes just one day after US forces seized a sanctioned tanker carrying what analysts estimate to be tens of millions of dollars’ worth of crude off Venezuela’s coast.
The Treasury Department’s announcement marks one of the most expansive enforcement actions this year, extending the Trump administration’s strategy of constriction that combines financial penalties, interdictions at sea, and an increased deployment of US military assets across the Caribbean region.
Sanctions Target Six Vessels and Maduro Family Relatives
The US Treasury designated six tankers for what it described as “deceptive and unsafe shipping practices” that support illicit Venezuelan oil exports. Four vessels are Panama-flagged, while the remaining two carry Cook Islands and Hong Kong flags.
Three nephews of First Lady Cilia Flores were also sanctioned, alongside a Maduro-linked businessman. Two of the nephews were previously convicted on drug-trafficking charges in the United States and later released in a prisoner exchange.
Treasury officials said the targeted ships and individuals formed part of a larger network that has allowed Venezuela’s state-run oil company, PDVSA, to keep crude flowing into global markets despite sanctions and a near-collapsed domestic industry.
Seizure of Tanker Intensifies Regional Tensions
Wednesday’s dramatic seizure of a tanker by armed US personnel — a discovery Trump described as “the largest one ever seized” — has rippled through global oil markets and heightened diplomatic tensions with Caracas.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said the vessel had long operated in a shadow network tied to sanctioned actors in Venezuela and Iran.
Video released by Bondi showed Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Teams rappelling from helicopters and boarding the tanker with long guns drawn. Federal agencies including the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations coordinated the operation.
A senior White House official confirmed no additional seizure warrants are currently approved, but acknowledged more actions could follow as the administration seeks to limit Maduro’s access to oil revenues.
Caracas Condemns ‘Piracy’ as Market Responds
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil denounced the tanker seizure as “international piracy,” insisting the United States is attempting to plunder Venezuela’s natural resources.
“The true reasons for the prolonged aggression against Venezuela have been laid bare,” Gil wrote. “It has always been about our oil, our energy, our wealth.”
Oil prices rose more than 1.3% Wednesday afternoon as the news spread, adding roughly 75 cents per barrel on market fears that further seizures or shipping disruptions could slow Venezuelan crude flows.
Venezuela’s Oil Sector Under New Strain
With the seized tanker estimated to be carrying up to 1.8 million barrels of Merey crude — valued at more than $80 million — analysts warn the action could send shockwaves through Venezuela’s already troubled export operation.
“Loadings may get delayed, and Venezuela may see fewer tankers willing to take the risk,” said Muyu Xu of Kpler, an oil analytics firm. “To attract vessels, they will likely need to pay higher freight rates.”
Venezuela’s daily production has fallen sharply, from more than 3.5 million barrels in the late 1990s to roughly 1 million barrels today.
Geopolitical Stakes Rise as US Pressure Mounts
Trump has escalated rhetoric against Maduro in recent weeks, telling Politico that the Venezuelan leader’s “days are numbered” and declining to rule out additional military steps. The US has already stationed the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group in the Caribbean, conducted strikes on suspected drug vessels, and increased maritime patrols under what Trump has characterized as an “armed conflict” with drug cartels.
Maduro has accused Washington of manufacturing a crisis to justify intervention. Speaking Thursday, he said Venezuela “is ready for a fight,” though he did not directly reference the tanker seizure.
The coming weeks could bring further turbulence as investigations proceed and shipping companies assess whether the risks of calling at Venezuelan ports have worsened.