Elite Coast Guard squad and ‘dark fleet’ ship – what we know about US seizure of oil tanker

The United States has successfully seized a crude oil tanker, marking a significant development in its ongoing pressure campaign against Venezuela, which has been intensified under the Trump administration. This action is the latest in a series of measures aimed at restricting the South American nation’s access to vital oil revenue and international markets. The operation involved an elite Coast Guard unit, highlighting the strategic importance and complexity of the seizure. While details surrounding the specific vessel and the operation are still emerging, it is understood to be part of a broader effort to disrupt Venezuelan oil exports and apply economic leverage. The “dark fleet” designation suggests the tanker may have been operating with obscured ownership or registration, a tactic sometimes employed to circumvent international sanctions and trade restrictions. This seizure underscores the US commitment to its policy towards Venezuela, a policy that has seen various economic and diplomatic tools deployed in an attempt to influence the political situation within the country.