U.S. Coast Guard Intercepts Panamanian-Flagged Tanker Carrying Venezuelan Oil

The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted and boarded the Centuries, a Panamanian-flagged oil tanker carrying Venezuelan crude oil, in international waters off the coast of Venezuela. This operation, conducted early Saturday, marks the second such action this month as part of the Trump administration's intensified efforts to enforce a blockade on Venezuelan oil exports.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the U.S. will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil used to fund narco-terrorism in the region.

The Centuries, which had recently departed Venezuela, was reportedly carrying oil for a China-based trader with a history of transporting Venezuelan crude to Chinese refineries.

This interception follows President Donald Trump's recent declaration of a "total and complete blockade" on all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has condemned these U.S. actions as violations of international law and has ordered the Venezuelan navy to escort oil tankers departing from the country's ports.

The U.S. Coast Guard's boarding of the Centuries underscores the escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela over oil exports and sanctions enforcement.