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Why did the US seize a tanker?

Asked 4 hours ago

Answer

The US seized a Venezuelan oil tanker as part of a crackdown on sanctioned vessels allegedly involved in oil smuggling and drug trafficking. Officials state the operation aims to pressure President Maduro's government and disrupt illicit activities. The Venezuelan government denounces the action as theft and a violation of international law.

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U.S. seizes another oil tanker near Venezuela

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Just In
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References

U.S. seizes another oil tanker near Venezuela
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CBS News
4 hours ago
U.S. seizes another oil tanker near Venezuela

US officials confirmed the Coast Guard led the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker in international waters, following a blockade on sanctioned oil ships to pressure President Maduro's regime, which is accused of facilitating drug trafficking.

Maduro slams Trump's oil tanker blockade as 'grotesque threat'
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CBS News
3 days ago
Maduro slams Trump's oil tanker blockade as 'grotesque threat'

The US military seized a sanctioned 20-year-old oil tanker from Venezuela, allegedly involved in an oil smuggling network funding the Iranian military and its proxies, as part of a crackdown on a 'black market for oil.'

Venezuela's Maduro: U.S. naval blockade is colonization attempt
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DW News
4 days ago
Venezuela's Maduro: U.S. naval blockade is colonization attempt

President Trump announced a blockade, alleging Maduro used oil revenues to fund drug trafficking and other crimes, and vowed continued military build-up until US oil-related assets were returned.

Trump orders blockade on Venezuela oil tankers
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CBS News
4 days ago
Trump orders blockade on Venezuela oil tankers

The Trump administration increased military presence in the Caribbean, recently seizing a sanctioned 20-year-old oil tanker from Venezuela and conducting strikes on alleged drug boats as part of efforts to pressure Maduro's government.

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