In a decisive pre-dawn operation early Friday, December 20, U.S. Coast Guard forces, with support from the Department of War, apprehended an oil tanker suspected of transporting illicit Venezuelan oil in violation of U.S. sanctions. The vessel had last docked in Venezuela and was intercepted in international waters as part of an ongoing enforcement campaign targeting sanctioned energy exports tied to criminal and terrorist activity.

According to U.S. officials, the operation is part of a broader effort to disrupt oil smuggling networks that funnel proceeds to narco-terrorism across the region. Infrared video footage released by authorities shows Coast Guard helicopters approaching the Panama-flagged tanker, identified as the Centuries, followed by a coordinated boarding operation conducted under low-light conditions.

This marks the second such seizure in recent weeks. Earlier this month, U.S. forces intercepted another tanker, the Skipper, which officials linked to Iranian-backed networks assisting Venezuela’s oil exports. Together, the actions signal an escalation in enforcement aimed at cutting off financial lifelines sustaining the Maduro regime and its criminal partners.

U.S. officials emphasized that sanctioned oil exports are not merely economic violations but represent a direct national security threat. Revenue from these operations is alleged to fund narco-terrorism, destabilize neighboring countries, and undermine lawful international commerce.

“The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil,” officials stated. “We will find you, and we will stop you.” The message underscores Washington’s commitment to enforcing sanctions, protecting maritime security, and holding rogue regimes accountable for exploiting global energy markets to finance criminal activity.