US Forces Seize Another Venezuelan-Linked Tanker as Trump's Oil Crackdown Continues
In a move that underscores the US government's determination to assert control over Venezuela's oil resources, the US military seized another tanker linked to the South American country on Tuesday. The motor vessel Sagitta, a Liberian-flagged tanker owned and managed by a company in Hong Kong, was apprehended without incident in the Caribbean, according to a statement from US Southern Command.
The latest seizure comes as part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to exert control over Venezuela's oil production, refining, and global distribution. The US has been seizing tankers carrying Venezuelan oil products since December 10, when the first vessel was intercepted off the coast of Venezuela. So far, six tankers have been seized in this operation, with only one exception - the Bella 1, which was captured in the North Atlantic.
The Sagitta's capture is significant because it demonstrates the US resolve to ensure that only oil produced and sold by Venezuela can leave the country. The tanker was found to be carrying oil from Venezuela, and its seizure is seen as a key step in the Trump administration's plan to revamp the country's oil industry and restore its economy.
According to President Trump, the US has already taken 50 million barrels of oil out of Venezuela and plans to sell at least 30-50 million barrels on the open market. He claimed that this effort is helping to bring down oil prices, citing "incredible" results so far.
The seizure of tankers carrying Venezuelan oil has been seen as a way for the Trump administration to generate cash while it seeks to rebuild Venezuela's battered oil industry and restore its economy. The move has been criticized by some, who argue that it is an attempt to exert control over a sovereign nation's resources without due process.
As the US continues to pursue this strategy, the implications for Venezuela's future remain unclear. One thing is certain, however - the Trump administration's determination to shape the country's oil industry and economy will have far-reaching consequences for the region and beyond.
In a move that underscores the US government's determination to assert control over Venezuela's oil resources, the US military seized another tanker linked to the South American country on Tuesday. The motor vessel Sagitta, a Liberian-flagged tanker owned and managed by a company in Hong Kong, was apprehended without incident in the Caribbean, according to a statement from US Southern Command.
The latest seizure comes as part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to exert control over Venezuela's oil production, refining, and global distribution. The US has been seizing tankers carrying Venezuelan oil products since December 10, when the first vessel was intercepted off the coast of Venezuela. So far, six tankers have been seized in this operation, with only one exception - the Bella 1, which was captured in the North Atlantic.
The Sagitta's capture is significant because it demonstrates the US resolve to ensure that only oil produced and sold by Venezuela can leave the country. The tanker was found to be carrying oil from Venezuela, and its seizure is seen as a key step in the Trump administration's plan to revamp the country's oil industry and restore its economy.
According to President Trump, the US has already taken 50 million barrels of oil out of Venezuela and plans to sell at least 30-50 million barrels on the open market. He claimed that this effort is helping to bring down oil prices, citing "incredible" results so far.
The seizure of tankers carrying Venezuelan oil has been seen as a way for the Trump administration to generate cash while it seeks to rebuild Venezuela's battered oil industry and restore its economy. The move has been criticized by some, who argue that it is an attempt to exert control over a sovereign nation's resources without due process.
As the US continues to pursue this strategy, the implications for Venezuela's future remain unclear. One thing is certain, however - the Trump administration's determination to shape the country's oil industry and economy will have far-reaching consequences for the region and beyond.
Another tanker seized by the US 
I mean, 50 million barrels of oil already taken out... that's a huge chunk of their economy 
And it's not like they're doing this to help the people or anything 
It's all about control and profits for the US 
Meanwhile, Venezuela's just getting poorer and more unstable 
I'm not saying the US is doing this right, but at least be honest about their motives 
, US just gonna take what they want from Venezuela like its their own backyard? 
newsflash: Venezuela's got rights too! 
gotta stop thinking about profits over people... or in this case, oil 
I mean, think about it... if the US is taking control of Venezuela's oil resources to help the country, isn't that like, a good thing? I know some people might say it's an invasion or something, but come on, it's just business. The US wants to make sure those tankers are following the law and not contributing to price gouging in other countries. And let's be real, 50 million barrels is a lot of oil... it's gotta help Venezuela's economy somehow 
and I gotta say, it's getting crazy over there in Venezuela 
. Like, what's next? Sending a team of oil inspectors to check everyone's tanks? It's not like they can just let those tankers sail off into the sunset without checking who's behind them first... 
. Still, this whole thing feels like a big game of oil-based chess 
. Who's got the upper hand now? The US or Venezuela? It's anyone's guess at this point... 
. It's like, shouldn't we be helping them fix their problems instead of just taking control? I mean, my friend's cousin has a family member who works in trade, and they're all worried about the impact on the global market...it's getting super complicated 
. And what about due process, though? 
I'm not buying it. This whole thing feels like a power grab to me, and I don't think we should be okay with that. 
The guy says they're trying to bring down oil prices, but is that really a good thing? Oil prices are already super low right now... 10-15 bucks a gallon in some states. I don't get why anyone would care so much about it. 
they might b getting roasted by some, but i guess thats just part of the game 
. what do u guys think tho? Should they just let venezuela get back on its feet or keep pushing forward with this oil plan? 
but for real tho, 50 million barrels ain't no chump change, thats some serious cash 
️ but at what cost tho? i mean, its like they're tryin to be the world's best boy scout, rescuin' Venezuela from itself 
...
like we r supposed 2 be helping them fix their economy not controlling it lol the thought of all those barrels being sold on the open market is wild 
but at least the prices are coming down kinda? 
. I mean, don't get me wrong, if Venezuela really can't take care of its own economy, maybe some external help isn't the worst thing...but come on, 50 million barrels of oil? That's like asking for a free lunch (no offense to Venezuelans who might be having a tough time 
It's like they're treating them like a big ol' ATM machine or something.
. There are so many strings attached to this whole operation that I'm pretty sure it's going to end up causing more harm than good.