Overview
- U.S. Coast Guard units have seized two sanctioned crude tankers and pursued a third dark‑fleet vessel, with the Bella‑1 retreating into the Atlantic to avoid boarding.
- Shipping trackers and industry reports show disrupted flows to China and Cuba, with reduced port activity in Venezuela and multiple inbound tankers turning back.
- The U.S. has surged forces into the region, deploying an aircraft carrier, multiple warships, stealth fighters and more than 14,000 troops to support interdictions.
- Beijing and Moscow have denounced the seizures as violations of international law, while Russia publicly reaffirmed support for Venezuela’s government.
- Oil prices rose after the blockade order, and a U.S. official says intensified pressure could drive Venezuela toward economic calamity by late January unless concessions are made.