U.S. Seizes Sixth Venezuela Oil Tanker Ahead of Key Political Meeting

The United States has seized another oil tanker linked to Venezuela. U.S. officials confirmed the action on Thursday, just ahead of a planned meeting between President Donald Trump and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Anonymous officials told Reuters the seizure happened in the Caribbean Sea. The U.S. military's Southern Command later confirmed the operation took place before dawn. This tanker is the sixth vessel targeted by the U.S. since mid-December. All were either carrying Venezuelan oil or had done so recently. The seizure continues increased U.S. pressure on the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The Trump administration recognizes opposition figure Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate leader.