U.S. Seizes "Shadow Fleet" Tankers in Venezuelan Oil Crackdown

U.S. forces seized two oil tankers in early morning raids on Thursday. The operations targeted vessels accused of violating sanctions on Venezuelan crude oil. Authorities boarded the ships in international waters. One was seized in the North Atlantic Ocean. The other was taken in the Caribbean Sea. The tankers are part of a so-called "shadow fleet." This term describes older ships that operate secretly to move oil from sanctioned countries like Venezuela, Iran, and Russia. They often disable tracking systems and use complex ownership schemes to hide their activities. The U.S. Department of Justice linked both vessels to oil exports from Venezuela. Venezuela's oil sector is under strict U.S. sanctions. The measures aim to pressure the government of President Nicolás Maduro. This action signals a continued U.S. effort to enforce these sanctions. It specifically targets the maritime networks that allow Venezuela to sell its oil globally. The seized tankers are now under U.S. control. Their cargoes will be subject to forfeiture.