White House Orders Two-Month Push to Enforce Venezuela Oil Quarantine

Overview

• U.S. officials say military and law-enforcement assets will prioritize sanctions enforcement for roughly two months, shifting emphasis to economic pressure on Nicolás Maduro.
• The Coast Guard has seized two tankers in December and is still pursuing the Bella 1, which moved toward the Atlantic as the service awaits specialized boarding teams.
• Venezuela’s National Assembly approved penalties of up to 20 years in prison and heavy fines for anyone who supports or finances seizures or blockades targeting its commerce.
• Brazil’s UN ambassador called the U.S. mobilization and naval blockade violations of the UN Charter and offered Brazilian mediation; Russia and China issued formal condemnations.
• U.S. operations in the Caribbean have expanded in recent months, including lethal strikes on suspected drug boats that have killed around 100 people, heightening international scrutiny.