'Potentially provocative': House Democrat on seizure of another oil tanker off Venezuelan coast

Geopolitical & Legal Concerns - US Coast Guard, backed by the Department of Defense, seized an oil tanker that had last docked in Venezuela, marking the second such action this month [1] - The action follows Trump's designation of Venezuela as a foreign terrorist organization and order of a blockade of US-sanctioned oil tankers servicing that country [1] - A US Congressman suggests the administration's actions in Venezuela are provocative, potentially leading to conflict [5][10] - Concerns raised about the legality of the administration's actions and potential violation of the War Powers Act [3][6][13] - A Senator introduced a bill to license US citizens as privateers to seize alleged cartel assets abroad, raising concerns about potential illegal actions [7] Congressional & Public Opinion - There is skepticism among Republicans regarding the administration's approach to Venezuela [8][9] - Concerns exist that the administration is moving towards war with Venezuela without congressional authorization [6][13] - Access to video footage of a controversial strike in early September has been denied to congressional members, raising concerns about accountability [15][16][17] Policy & Strategic Implications - The administration's actions are perceived by some as a move towards regime change in Venezuela [12][13] - The administration's stance on Venezuelan oil is viewed as potentially provocative and disturbing [4][5] - The US pardoned the former president of Honduras, who was convicted in an American court of law for narotism [12]