U.S. actively pursuing sanctioned oil tanker

US Sanctions and Actions Against Venezuela - US is increasing pressure on Venezuela by seizing oil tankers carrying sanctioned Venezuelan oil [1] - The Coast Guard is actively pursuing the Bella 1 tanker, which is on a US sanctions list and suspected of flying a false flag [2] - US authorities have seized tankers, such as the Skipper, off the Venezuelan coast with federal judge approval [3] Political and Economic Implications - President Trump has announced a blockade on Venezuelan oil and labeled Nicolas Maduro an illegitimate narco-terrorist [3][4] - Maduro's regime accuses the US of hijacking and theft of 4 million barrels of oil [5] - Cuba, dependent on Venezuelan oil, is concerned about potentially blocked shipments, with its president stating the economy is partially paralyzed [5] US Stance and Global Response - The US is pursuing ships transporting sanctioned oil globally, predicting their seizure [6] - The US accuses Venezuela of drug smuggling [3]