The detention occurred against the backdrop of recent actions by Trump, who announced a "complete and total blockade" of all sanctioned oil tankers heading to and from Venezuela. This is the second case of an oil vessel being detained in this area in recent weeks, coinciding with an increase in the American military presence in the region.
As reported by Reuters sources, after the first seizure in Venezuelan waters, an effective embargo was established, resulting in vessels carrying millions of barrels of oil waiting off the country's coast, fearing interception. Venezuelan oil exports have significantly decreased since the first operation, and experts warn that if the blockade continues, the global market could lose up to 1 million barrels of oil per day, which could lead to a rise in prices.
China continues to be the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil, accounting for about 4% of the country's imports. Some supplies continue through vessels not subject to U.S. sanctions, including tankers with licenses from the U.S.
Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela, has previously claimed that Washington's actions are aimed at his overthrow and control over the country's oil resources, which is a member of OPEC and has the largest oil reserves in the world.
In early December, U.S. authorities already detained the tanker Skipper, which reportedly was transporting Venezuelan oil as part of covert supply schemes to Cuba and China. In response, Donald Trump announced a maritime blockade for sanctioned tankers. In turn, Venezuelan authorities ordered the escort of their oil vessels by the Navy, which increased the risk of direct conflict between the U.S. and Venezuela, according to experts.
