The United States Coast Guard (USCG), acting in coordination with federal law enforcement partners, confirmed Sunday that assets are currently in “active pursuit” of a sanctioned “dark fleet” vessel operating in international waters near the Venezuelan coast. This action follows the successful seizure of two oil tankers earlier this month as part of an expanded maritime blockade.
🚨 BREAKING: High-seas pursuit underway! The US Coast Guard is currently chasing the “Bella 1” oil tanker near Venezuela after the vessel refused a boarding order.
This is the 3rd tanker targeted in 12 days as Trump’s “total blockade” hits the high seas. 🚢💨#Venezuela #USCG… pic.twitter.com/Y1x7g7Jxni
— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) December 21, 2025
The vessel currently under pursuit is identified as part of the Venezuelan regime’s illegal sanctions-evasion network. U.S. officials report the ship is flying a “false flag” to obfuscate its origin and is currently subject to a federal judicial seizure order.
“This operation is a direct result of President Trump’s executive mandate to blockade sanctioned assets that fund criminal activity,” a Department official stated. “We are committed to disrupting the financial lifelines of the Cartel de los Soles and ensuring that Venezuelan oil is not used to facilitate transnational drug-related crime.”
The pursuit follows a high-stakes operation on Saturday, where a specialized tactical team boarded and seized a Panamanian-flagged tanker in international waters. While the vessel was not previously listed on the Treasury Department’s sanctions list, investigators confirmed it was transporting sanctioned Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) oil.
Data from maritime tracking services indicate that as of last week, over 30 ships currently in or approaching Venezuelan waters are under U.S. sanctions.
The ongoing maritime operations are part of a broader buildup of military and law enforcement presence in the Caribbean Sea. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the administration’s stance on Friday, stating that the “status quo with the Venezuelan regime is intolerable.”
This enforcement surge aims to:
- Neutralize Criminal Funding: Cut off the revenue streams used by the Maduro regime to finance designated terrorist organizations.
- Enforce Maritime Law: Prevent the use of “dark fleet” tactics, such as false flagging and disabling transponders, to evade international law.
- Counter Narcotics: Stem the flow of illicit substances protected by regime-affiliated actors.
The Venezuelan government has categorized these legal seizures as “theft and kidnapping” and has signaled intent to file complaints with the United Nations Security Council. The U.S. remains resolute in its mission to uphold international sanctions and maritime security.
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Further details regarding the identity and location of the intercepted vessel will be released pending the conclusion of the current pursuit.
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