The United States is engaged in an 'active pursuit' of a third oil tanker in waters near Venezuela, American officials have confirmed, marking a significant escalation in maritime tensions in the Caribbean Sea.
Details of the Latest Maritime Pursuit
According to reports from Sky News' US partner network NBC News, the status of the attempted interception remains unclear. The operation was first reported to be underway at around 2.30pm UK time on Sunday 21 December 2025.
Two US officials told NBC that the US Coast Guard was tracking the vessel, which they described as a 'sanctioned dark fleet vessel' involved in Venezuela's efforts to evade international sanctions. One official stated, 'It is flying a false flag and under a judicial seizure order,' adding that such vessels typically do not operate for just one nation.
The tanker is understood to be sailing under the name Bella 1, according to analyses by maritime risk groups. Sky News verification shows the Bella 1 has been on the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions list since June 2024. One official linked the ship to the network of Houthi financial facilitator Sa'id al Jamal.
Escalating US Naval Pressure and Venezuelan Response
This incident is part of a broader military build-up by the Trump administration against the government of Nicolás Maduro. The US has deployed a substantial naval presence to the region, including the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier and its support group.
If successful, this would be the third interception of a tanker near Venezuela in just two weeks, following seizures on Saturday and near the start of December. A separate official told the New York Times the vessel in the latest incident did not submit to being boarded and continued on its course.
Earlier in the week, President Donald Trump declared he had ordered a 'blockade' of oil tankers moving in and out of Venezuela, vowing the military would remain until the country returns 'all of the oil, land, and other assets that they previously stole from us.' He claimed Venezuela was surrounded by the largest armada ever assembled in South American history.
Venezuela's government has accused the US of 'violating international law, free trade, and the principle of free navigation'. The standoff has also drawn international comment, with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi accusing Washington of 'bullying' and expressing support for Venezuela's defence of its legitimate interests.
Broader Context of Sanctions and Accusations
The maritime confrontations occur alongside a wider US pressure campaign. Washington has announced sanctions on numerous oil tankers, shipping companies, and family members of President Maduro.
President Trump has ramped up accusations against the Maduro regime, alleging involvement in the drugs trade and authorising strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the region. For his part, President Maduro claims the ultimate goal of the US actions is to overthrow his government and seize Venezuela's vast oil reserves.
The situation represents a volatile and ongoing crisis, with the pursuit of the third vessel signalling no immediate de-escalation from the US side.
