Washington (TDI): The United States is actively tracking a third oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, US media reported Sunday, as part of ongoing efforts to enforce sanctions against the South American nation.
A US official said that the vessel is a “sanctioned dark fleet tanker” involved in Venezuela’s illegal evasion of sanctions,” operating under a false flag and subject to a judicial seizure order.
The tanker, named Bella 1, was boarded by US personnel while heading to Venezuela to load cargo, though the pursuit reportedly continues.
If intercepted, Bella 1 would become the third tanker linked to Venezuela seized by the US in less than two weeks. On Saturday, the US Coast Guard boarded the Centuries, a Panamanian-flagged supertanker, which is not on Washington’s sanctions list.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement that the crude on board originated from Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, PDVSA, which is under US sanctions.
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Earlier, on December 10, US forces seized the tanker Skipper near Venezuelan waters, taking control of its oil cargo. On December 16, President Donald Trump announced a “total and complete blockade” on sanctioned tankers entering or leaving Venezuela and designated President Nicolás Maduro’s government as a foreign terrorist organization.
Dozens of tankers on the US sanctions list are reportedly still in Venezuelan waters. Oil exports remain the backbone of Venezuela’s economy, generating the majority of its foreign revenue.
The Venezuelan government has condemned the US. actions as “piracy,” accusing Washington of pursuing regime change and expanding military influence in Latin America.
Analysts say the ongoing tension over Venezuela’s oil shipments underscores the broader geopolitical stakes in Latin America, where economic interests and strategic influence intersect. The situation remains closely monitored by international observers, given its potential to affect global oil markets and regional stability.
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Experts also note that diplomatic channels may continue to play a role in de-escalating tensions, as countries in the region and beyond push for negotiated solutions to avoid further confrontation. The US actions highlight how sanctions enforcement can extend beyond borders, impacting international trade and maritime operations.
While the immediate focus remains on the targeted tankers, the broader implications for US-Venezuela relations, regional security, and the global energy supply chain are likely to unfold in the coming weeks, keeping the situation under close scrutiny by policymakers and industry stakeholders alike.
