Venezuela Seeks Military Escort for Oil Tankers Amid US Pressure
The New York Times reports that the Venezuelan government, in response to increased pressure on its oil exports, is looking to strengthen protective measures for its oil tankers.
The New York Times, citing the intensification of US actions against Venezuelan oil tankers, states that Nicolás Maduro, the country’s president, is trying to find solutions to manage the situation and continue selling oil. According to the media outlet, the use of private tankers as floating oil storage is one of the options being considered by the Caracas government.
Based on the New York Times report and citing informed sources, armed naval boats from the Venezuelan Navy have also been deployed to escort oil tankers and petroleum product carriers. These measures are part of a broader plan to enhance the security of maritime oil export routes.
The newspaper added that stationing Venezuelan military personnel on oil tankers bound for China could make it more difficult for the US Coast Guard to seize these vessels, although it simultaneously raises the risk of tension and military confrontation between Washington and Caracas.
According to the report, the US has seized two Venezuelan oil tankers in the past two weeks and has also taken action to seize a third tanker. Several international law experts have described these actions as violations of international norms and referred to them as instances of piracy.
