What are the 'ghost ships' Venezuela is using to evade oil sanctions?

BBC NewsWednesday, December 17, 2025 at 11:16:17 AM
What are the 'ghost ships' Venezuela is using to evade oil sanctions?
  • The U.S. military has seized the Skipper, an oil tanker carrying 1.1 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, marking a significant escalation in efforts to enforce sanctions against Venezuela. This tanker is believed to be part of a 'ghost fleet' used by the Venezuelan government to evade these sanctions, which have been in place since 2019.
  • The seizure of the Skipper has led to a standstill in Venezuelan oil exports, raising concerns about the economic impact on the country, which heavily relies on oil revenue. This action is part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to increase pressure on the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro.
  • The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, with the U.S. asserting its commitment to preventing sanctioned vessels from operating freely. This development reflects a pattern of escalating military and economic actions aimed at undermining Maduro's regime, amidst fears of further U.S. raids and a potential decline in Venezuela's oil production.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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