The US Coast Guard is in 'active pursuit' of another vessel in international waters near Venezuela, as tensions in the region continue to escalate.
US authorities have already seized two oil tankers this month, including one just recently.
The ongoing pursuit is related to a 'sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela's illegal sanctions evasion', according to a US official, adding that it is flying a false flag and operates under a judicial seizure order.
Washington accuses Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug-related activities, whereas Venezuela has condemned the territorial seizures as an act of 'theft and kidnapping'.
President Trump recently ordered a 'blockade' on sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. The South American country, which holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, claims that the US is attempting to siphon off its resources.
Currently, more than 30 of the 80 vessels in Venezuelan waters are reportedly under US sanctions. Recently seized tankers, including a Panamanian-flagged ship, were found transporting PDVSA oil, though they were not listed on the US Treasury's sanctions list.
In response to the seizure on Saturday, the Venezuelan government warned that such actions would 'not go unpunished' and plans to file a complaint with the UN Security Council.
The US military presence in the Caribbean has increased, with multiple operations targeting alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats, reportedly resulting in numerous casualties.
The Trump administration accuses President Nicolás Maduro of running a designated terrorist organization, which Maduro vehemently denies.
