A Seized Oil Tanker Off Venezuela and the Big Business of Dark Fleet Smuggling

The New York TimesFriday, December 12, 2025 at 5:27:04 PM
A Seized Oil Tanker Off Venezuela and the Big Business of Dark Fleet Smuggling
  • The U.S. has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move that is expected to intensify pressure on the Venezuelan government, which heavily relies on a clandestine fleet to export oil. This action reflects rising tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela amid ongoing political instability in the region.
  • This seizure is significant as it not only disrupts Venezuela's oil exports but also poses risks to over 30 other sanctioned vessels operating in the area. The U.S. aims to curb the Maduro regime's access to revenue, which is critical for its survival amidst economic turmoil.
  • The incident highlights the broader geopolitical struggle involving U.S. military presence in the region and the ongoing sanctions against Venezuela, which have led to a reliance on illicit oil trade. As tensions escalate, the potential for further U.S. interventions looms, raising concerns about the stability of oil markets and Venezuela's fragile economy.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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