An oil and chemical tanker sanctioned by the United States has entered Venezuelan waters, ship tracking data confirmed, regardless of US President Donald Trump declaring a “total and complete blockade” of such vessels transiting the nation.
The Gambia-flagged ship, named the Hyperion, was seen close to a refinery off Venezuela’s Amuay Bay on Friday after crusing via the Caribbean, in line with ship tracking data.
The ship had been sanctioned by the US on January 10, 2025, as a part of efforts to cut back Russian revenues from power.
NCS has reached out to the US State Department for remark.
Venezuela slammed the blockade earlier this week, calling it “a reckless and serious threat.” It stated it could proceed to defend its sovereignty and nationwide pursuits.
Trump ordered the blockade after the US seized a sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast final week.
Blockades are thought-about an act of battle below some worldwide treaties.
Last week, the US introduced sanctions on transport corporations and vessels it says assist transfer Venezuelan oil. Three nephews of President Nicolás Maduro’s spouse, Cilia Flores, in addition to one other Maduro-affiliated businessman have been additionally named within the sanctions checklist.
The US imposed further sanctions Friday on different Maduro relations, together with his sister-in-law.
The sanctions are a part of a monthslong strain marketing campaign towards the Venezuelan authorities. The US has carried out lethal navy strikes within the Caribbean and Pacific and mounted financial strain towards Caracas as a part of what it has described as a battle towards drug trafficking.
Maduro has stated that the US is in search of regime change together with possession of Venezuela’s territory and sources. The US has resisted that characterization, accusing Maduro of being illegitimate and a narco-trafficker.