The detention of the Veronica tanker by the US Southern Command is another US move against trading in Venezuelan oil, which is subject to severe sanctions. The measure is intended to increase security in the region.
The United States detained another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, which is allegedly connected to Venezuela. This is already the sixth such case, which was reported by the Southern Command of the US Armed Forces (SOUTHCOM) on Thursday. According to their statement, the operation was carried out “before dawn and without incident”. At the same time, they published a video from the event on social networks.
- The US detained another tanker connected to Venezuela in the Caribbean.
- This is already the sixth similar case this year.
- The intervention took place without incident and according to international rules.
- The ban on trading Venezuelan oil has been in place since the Trump era.
- Sanctions are intended to weaken the Venezuelan government, but they increase tensions.
The detained tanker named Veronica, according to US authorities, was operating in violation of rules that prohibit vessels connected to Venezuela from operating in Caribbean waters. This ban was introduced during the administration of former President Donald Trump as part of sanctions against the Venezuelan regime.
Intervention without incident
In its statement, SOUTHCOM emphasized that the only oil that can leave Venezuela must be transported legally and in accordance with international rules. “The Ministry of War, in cooperation with other partners, will continue to fight illegal activities and ensure security in the Western Hemisphere,” the command said on the X social network.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem added that the Veronica tanker had previously sailed through Venezuelan waters and violated the quarantine imposed on sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean. This quarantine is part of wider measures aimed at limiting the trading of Venezuelan oil, which is supposed to support the regime there.
Sanctions and their consequences
The United States has been applying sanctions against Venezuela for several years, which aim to weaken the government of President Nicolás Maduro. The sanctions include restrictions on the export of oil, which is the country’s main source of income. Washington accuses Maduro’s government of human rights violations, corruption and manipulation of democratic processes.
The detention of tankers is one of the tools the US is using to enforce its sanctions measures. However, according to analysts, these steps also increase tensions in the region and complicate the already difficult situation in Venezuela, which is facing a deep economic and humanitarian crisis.
