Elite Coast Guard squad and 'dark fleet' ship - what we know about US seizure of oil tanker

The US Coast Guard's elite 'Dash-22' squad seized a crude oil tanker suspected of violating sanctions against Venezuela. The vessel, known as the Courageous, was part of a 'dark fleet' that allegedly helped Venezuela's embattled president Nicolás Maduro circumvent US sanctions by transporting oil. The seizure is the latest in the Trump administration's ongoing pressure campaign against the Maduro government, which has included sanctions, diplomacy, and military interdictions. The Courageous was reportedly transporting oil from Venezuela to Cuba, a key ally of Maduro. The operation involved coordination between US law enforcement and military assets, showcasing the administration's determination to disrupt Venezuela's oil trade. The incident highlights the complex web of maritime activities and alleged sanctions evasion tactics employed by Venezuela and its supporters. As the US-Venezuela tensions continue, further maritime interdictions and sanctions enforcement actions are likely to occur.