US seizes second oil tanker off Venezuela's coast

The United States has seized a second oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, continuing its efforts to enforce sanctions on the country. This action follows an earlier directive from US President Donald Trump to impose a "blockade" on oil tankers transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil. The US government has accused the Venezuelan regime of President Nicolás Maduro of using the country's oil industry to fund its authoritarian rule and human rights abuses. The sanctions aim to cut off a crucial source of revenue for Maduro's government, which the US and many other nations have deemed illegitimate. The seizure of the tanker is part of the Trump administration's broader campaign to exert maximum pressure on the Maduro government and support Juan Guaidó, whom the US recognizes as the rightful leader of Venezuela. The move is likely to further strain relations between the US and Venezuela, as Maduro's government continues to resist calls for democratic reforms and free and fair elections.