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The U.S. Coast Guard is pursuing a sanctioned oil tanker near Venezuela as President Donald Trump intensifies his pressure campaign against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro with a sweeping blockade targeting illicit oil shipments.
“The United States Coast Guard is in active pursuit of a sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion,” a U.S. official said in a statement to Fox News’ Lucas Tomlinson. “It is flying a false flag and under a judicial seizure order.”
SECOND TANKER SEIZED NEAR VENEZUELA AS US ENFORCES OIL BLOCKADE
FILE – An oil tanker is seen anchored in Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela after loading crude oil at the Bajo Grande Refinery port. (Jose Bula Urrutia/UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)
Reuters reported that another official noted the tanker was operating under sanctions and that it had not been boarded thus far. The official also said interceptions could be taken by flying or sailing near vessels of concern.
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Speaking on condition of anonymity, the officials did not provide the name of the vessel or where it was operating while being pursued.
Reuters contributed to this report.