The United States is preparing to enhance its interception of vessels transporting Venezuelan oil after the recent seizure of a tanker named Skipper, marking the first such action since the imposition of U.S. sanctions on Venezuela in 2019. This initiative is part of a broader military buildup in the southern Caribbean aimed at increasing pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The seizure has prompted concerns among shipowners and maritime agencies, leading many to reconsider their operations in Venezuelan waters. The U.S. government has indicated that further interventions are expected in the coming weeks, particularly targeting vessels that may also be linked to other sanctioned nations, such as Iran. Recently, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on six supertankers associated with Venezuela's state oil company, PDVSA, and on four Venezuelans, including relatives of the first lady, Cilia Flores.

The reduction in Venezuelan oil exports, which are vital for the country's economy, could significantly undermine the financial stability of the Maduro administration. The U.S. has compiled a list of additional sanctioned tankers for potential seizure, with plans reportedly in place for several months.

In recent months, the U.S. has conducted over 20 military operations against vessels it claims are involved in drug trafficking, resulting in numerous casualties. These actions have raised legal questions regarding their compliance with international law, as experts suggest they may constitute extrajudicial attacks. The U.S. maintains that these operations are necessary to protect its citizens from drug cartels, which it designates as terrorist organizations.

The seizure of the Skipper has led to the suspension of several shipments of Venezuela's flagship oil grade, Merey, as shippers reassess the risks of operating in the region. U.S. military forces are actively monitoring tankers in both international waters and those docked in Venezuelan ports, preparing to act as they depart.

The Venezuelan government has condemned the U.S. actions as theft and piracy, although legal experts note that the seizure does not meet the definition of piracy under international law due to its endorsement by the U.S. government. This situation underscores the complexities of international maritime law and the geopolitical tensions surrounding oil resources in Venezuela.