The United States has seized a second oil tanker that recently departed from Venezuela, according to the Department of Homeland Security, marking an escalation in Washington’s maritime enforcement campaign.
The operation followed President Donald Trump’s announcement of a “blockade” targeting sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.
Venezuelan authorities condemned the seizure, calling it theft and kidnapping, and said they would pursue international complaints.
The ship was taken in international waters by the U.S. Coast Guard, using a specialized tactical team similar to an earlier operation this month.
The tanker, named Centuries, was boarded after U.S. helicopters landed on its deck during the operation led by the Coast Guard.
It is a Panamanian-flagged vessel that has previously sailed under Greek and Liberian flags, according to records reviewed by BBC Verify.
While the ship was not listed on the U.S. Treasury’s sanctioned vessels list, the White House later clarified that its cargo was sanctioned.
“The tanker contained sanctioned PDVSA oil,” the White House deputy press secretary said in a post.
U.S. officials described the vessel as part of a Venezuelan shadow fleet used to move oil under sanctions.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States would continue maritime interdiction operations.
Venezuela’s government warned that the seizure would not go unanswered and said it planned to raise the issue at the United Nations Security Council.
President Nicolás Maduro’s administration has accused Washington of attempting to seize Venezuelan resources.
The incident comes as the United States increases its military presence in the Caribbean and confirms the pursuit of another tanker near Venezuela in international waters.
U.S. officials say earlier seized vessels were operating on the black market, while analysts warn the actions could heighten geopolitical risk.
Venezuela, which relies heavily on oil exports to finance government spending, faces mounting pressure as enforcement actions expand.