Venezuelas Interim Leader Vows Oil Sector Reform Amid US Tanker Seizure

US Forces Seize Oil Tanker in Caribbean Sea

The US Coast Guard has boarded an oil tanker, Veronica, in the Caribbean Sea, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The vessel had previously passed through Venezuelan waters and was operating despite a quarantine established by President Donald Trump for sanctioned vessels in the region.

Noem stated that the operation took place without incident, with US Marines and sailors from the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier participating alongside a coastguard tactical team. This is the sixth tanker vessel seized by US forces as part of an effort to take control of Venezuela’s oil resources.

The Veronica is the fourth ship seized since the US military operation in Caracas, where Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was abducted almost two weeks ago. Interim president Delcy Rodriguez has announced plans for reforms to legislation governing Venezuela’s oil sector, including changes to the country’s anti-blockade law.

Rodriguez stated that the envisioned reforms would allocate funds from oil exports to new fields with no existing infrastructure and to workers and public services. Oil exports are a significant source of revenue for Venezuela.

The US has claimed control over Venezuela’s oil sector since Maduro’s abduction, with President Trump stating that the takeover was a key goal of his military operation against the nation. The country is believed to hold approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil reserves and was once a major crude supplier to the US.

Source: Al Jazeera