The United States seized a Venezuelan oil tanker this week, which in turn increased political tension between the two countries and raised questions about how the US is enforcing its penalty. The tanker was taken on December 10 in the Caribbean, according to Reuters, after US officials said that carrying oil violated existing policies.
The tanker called the Skipper was transporting heavy crude (Natural petroleum) connected to Venezuela’s oil industry. A U.S judge approved the seizure, and federal agencies carried it out with the Coast Guard. The Trump administration said the move is part of its attempt to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whose government has faced U.S sanctions for several years.
U.S officials said the seizure was “legal and necessary.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the action was connected to anti-drug and anti-smuggling operations in the region, according to PBS. She claimed the tanker was part of a network that helped Venezuela move oil in ways to essentially dodge U.S. rules. The administration also said the oil on the ship will stay in U.S control.
Venezuela strongly criticized the decision. According to Time magazine, officials in cards called the seizure “Piracy” and said the United States was using its military and economic power unfairly. Maduro’s allies argue that the U.S. has been interfering with Venezuela’s economy for years and that the tanker seizure is just another example.
