American military personnel have conducted a second interception of a merchant ship off the coast of Venezuela, according to officials in the United States. The incident occurred in international waters on Saturday, 20 December 2025.
Escalation of Maritime Enforcement
The latest stop by U.S. forces represents a significant escalation in maritime enforcement actions targeting Venezuela. It comes just days after President Donald Trump publicly declared a comprehensive "blockade" aimed at all sanctioned oil tankers attempting to enter or leave the South American nation.
This operation follows a precedent set earlier in the month. On 10 December, American forces seized an oil tanker near Venezuela's coast, signalling a more assertive approach to enforcing sanctions.
Official Silence on Operational Details
Details surrounding the ongoing military operation remain tightly controlled. The two American officials who confirmed the event to The Associated Press were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly and spoke only on the condition of anonymity.
This pattern of official discretion highlights the sensitive and potentially volatile nature of these intercepts in contested international waters. The actions directly implement the Trump administration's stated policy of applying maximum pressure on Venezuela's oil exports, a critical source of revenue for its government.
Broader Strategic Implications
The consecutive seizures point to a sustained campaign rather than an isolated incident. By moving from a single tanker seizure to stopping a second merchant vessel, the US demonstrates a commitment to enforcing its declared blockade.
Analysts suggest these manoeuvres could have several immediate consequences:
- Increased regional tensions: The operations in proximity to Venezuelan territorial waters risk escalating diplomatic and military friction.
- Disruption to shipping lanes: Commercial maritime traffic in the area may face heightened scrutiny and potential delays.
- Enforcement of sanctions regime: The actions serve as a tangible demonstration of the US's capability and willingness to physically impede Venezuela's oil trade.
The situation continues to develop, with the international community closely monitoring the US's next steps and Venezuela's anticipated response to these assertive measures in its strategic backyard.
