Articles in this Cluster
23-12-2025
The US is pursuing a third oil tanker linked to Venezuela as part of its pressure campaign against the government of President Nicolás Maduro. President Donald Trump confirmed that the US Coast Guard is chasing a vessel in international waters near Venezuela. The tanker, identified as Bella 1, is accused of carrying sanctioned cargo and has links to Iran. The US has already seized two oil tankers this month, and Trump said the US would hold onto the seized oil and vessels. Venezuela has denounced the US actions as 'piracy', and the United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency session to discuss the issue. China and Russia have expressed support for Venezuela, but experts say their backing is largely symbolic.
Entities: Donald Trump, Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, US Coast Guard, Bella 1 • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
23-12-2025
The U.S. Coast Guard is pursuing a sanctioned oil tanker, Bella 1, in international waters near Venezuela, as part of the Trump administration's pressure campaign against the Venezuelan government. The tanker refused to be boarded and fled towards the Caribbean, prompting an active pursuit. This is the third Venezuelan tanker to be targeted by the U.S. this month, following the seizure of two other tankers, Centuries and The Skipper. The Venezuelan government has condemned the seizures as 'piracy' and vowed to take action, including filing a complaint with the United Nations Security Council. The U.S. has justified the seizures as targeting 'black market' vessels funding the Maduro regime.
Entities: U.S. Coast Guard, Venezuela, Bella 1, Trump administration, Justice Department • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
23-12-2025
The article discusses the potential impact of an American oil blockade on the Venezuelan regime led by Nicolás Maduro. The regime heavily relies on oil exports, and a blockade would likely devastate it. The article references a recent incident where American special forces seized a giant oil tanker, the Skipper, off the coast of Venezuela, which was carrying oil from Venezuela and Iran in breach of sanctions. The US President, Donald Trump, stated that the cargo, worth $80m, would be kept. The article suggests that the Venezuelan regime's reliance on dodgy oil exports makes it vulnerable to such actions.
Entities: Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela, United States, Donald Trump, Skipper • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
23-12-2025
President Donald Trump stated that the US remains committed to pursuing an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, despite the vessel sailing towards Venezuela when the US Coast Guard attempted to interdict it. Trump repeated his threats against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, suggesting it would be 'smart' for him to step down. The US has been applying pressure on Maduro through a naval buildup in the Caribbean Sea and intercepting tankers carrying sanctioned oil. Trump declined to answer questions about his endgame in Venezuela but raised the threat of land strikes. The US has seized oil from intercepted tankers and plans to keep it, potentially adding it to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
Entities: Donald Trump, Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela, US Coast Guard, Bella 1 • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
23-12-2025
The US is actively pursuing a third oil tanker near Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Nicolas Maduro's government. The tanker, identified as Bella 1, is sanctioned by the US for its involvement in Venezuela's illegal sanctions evasion and has been accused of flying a false flag and operating under a judicial seizure order. The US has built up a naval military presence in the region, including the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, and has announced sanctions on numerous oil tankers and shipping companies. Venezuela's government has accused the US of violating international law and bullying, while China has expressed support for Venezuela's position.
Entities: US, Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, Donald Trump, Caribbean Sea • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
23-12-2025
The U.S. military conducted another strike against an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing one person. The strike was part of the Trump administration's efforts to stop the flow of drugs into the U.S. and increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. Southern Command released a video showing the strike, but provided no evidence that the vessel was engaged in drug smuggling. The strikes have faced scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and human rights activists, who say the administration has offered scant evidence that its targets are indeed drug smugglers and say the fatal strikes amount to extrajudicial killings. At least 105 people have been killed in 29 known strikes since early September.
Entities: U.S. military, eastern Pacific Ocean, U.S. Southern Command, Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
23-12-2025
US President Donald Trump has stated that it would be 'smart' for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down, as the US continues to escalate military operations and threats against Caracas. Maduro has responded by saying that Trump would be 'better off' focusing on his own country's problems. The crisis has drawn international attention, with Russia expressing its 'full support' for Maduro's government and China backing Caracas' request for a UN Security Council meeting to discuss the US actions.
Entities: Donald Trump, Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela, United States, Russia • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
23-12-2025
Russia and China have expressed support for Venezuela amid escalating tensions with the US, as President Donald Trump continues to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to leave power. The US has seized Venezuelan oil tankers and imposed sanctions, prompting China and Russia to condemn the actions as violations of international law. Maduro has accused the US of seeking regime change, while Trump claims Venezuela is using oil money to finance 'drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder and kidnapping'.
Entities: Russia, China, Venezuela, Donald Trump, Nicolás Maduro • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
