The US Coast Guard is tracking another oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela. The action marks the second such case over a weekend and the third within one week. US officials say the move is part of a broader effort to stop illegal oil trade linked to sanctions evasion. Officials described the situation as an active pursuit in the Caribbean Sea. The tanker was spotted close to Venezuelan waters but remained in international seas. Authorities say the ship is part of a group of vessels used to move oil while avoiding sanctions. According to US officials, the tanker was sailing under a false flag. They also said it was already under a legal seizure order. The ship did not stop when US forces approached it late Saturday. Instead, it kept moving, which led officials to continue tracking it through Sunday. The vessel has been identified as the Bella 1. The tanker has been under US sanctions since 2024. Authorities link it to networks accused of supporting sanctioned groups and states. Officials also say the ship is part of a so-called dark fleet. These ships often hide ownership details and change flags to avoid detection. Tracking data shows the tanker was heading toward Venezuela. Reports indicate it was not carrying oil at the time. Even so, officials say the ship’s movements raised concern because of its past activity and links to illegal trade. The pursuit came one day after US forces seized another oil vessel near Venezuela. That ship was also operating in international waters. Both actions show a sharp rise in enforcement as Washington increases pressure on Venezuela’s oil industry, which is a major source of income for the country. The US president recently announced a blockade aimed at oil tankers that are under sanctions and move oil into or out of Venezuela. The policy seeks to block illegal oil sales and limit revenue streams tied to the Maduro government. US officials say the effort includes more patrols and a stronger military presence in the region. In recent weeks, US forces have carried out multiple operations near Venezuela in both the Caribbean Sea and nearby waters. These actions signal a firm stance against what officials describe as illegal oil activity. White House economic officials say the seized tankers were working outside the law. They claim the ships were supplying oil to countries already under sanctions. Officials also tried to ease concerns about fuel costs. They said these ships represent a small part of global oil trade and should not cause major price increases in the United States. Market experts, however, warn that rising tension could still affect oil prices. Some traders expect prices to rise when Asian markets reopen. They say fears of conflict and shipping risks often push prices higher. Others note that global events, such as talks related to the war in Ukraine, could limit sharp price jumps. On Saturday, US forces stopped another merchant vessel carrying oil near Venezuela. That ship, like earlier ones, was heading toward Asia. A similar seizure took place earlier this month, showing a pattern of repeated actions against oil shipments linked to Venezuela. Political reactions in the United States remain strong. Some lawmakers openly support tougher action against the Venezuelan government. They argue that President Nicolás Maduro lacks a valid mandate to rule. These comments follow Venezuela’s disputed 2024 election, which opposition figures say Maduro lost. The Venezuelan government has strongly rejected US actions. After the first tanker seizure, officials in Caracas accused the United States of theft. They described the move as piracy and said it violated international law. Venezuela has also ordered its navy to escort oil tankers, despite the large US fleet now operating in the area. The US president has said that military conflict with Venezuela cannot be ruled out. In a recent interview, he stated that all options remain open. These remarks, combined with naval actions, have raised concern about a possible escalation. As US Venezuela oil tankers remain under close watch, the situation continues to develop. With active pursuits, legal disputes, and rising political tension, the Caribbean region is becoming a key focus of global energy and security concerns.