The United States has seized another Venezuelan oil tanker off the country’s coast, marking the second such operation this month. US Interior Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the action in a post on X, stating that the Coast Guard, with Pentagon support, carried out the seizure early Saturday. Washington claims the operation targets illicit oil shipments allegedly funding narcoterrorism in the region.

The move follows President Donald Trump’s recent declaration of a “total blockade” on tankers entering or leaving Venezuela under sanctions. Caracas has condemned the seizure, labeling it “serious international piracy” and rejecting Washington’s justification. The Venezuelan government said it views the incident as a violation of international law and sovereignty.

This latest confrontation underscores worsening relations between the two nations as US enforcement of oil sanctions intensifies. Analysts warn that continued maritime seizures could further destabilize regional trade routes and complicate diplomatic efforts to ease sanctions or resume oil exports.