Trump says U.S. will keep the crude oil and tankers seized near Venezuela

US President Donald Trump has said the United States remains in active pursuit of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, more than 24 hours after the operation began, while again issuing strong warnings to Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro. Speaking in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said the vessel would eventually be seized. Its moving along and well end up getting it, he said, adding that the ship had links to Venezuela. The tanker, identified as Bella 1, was sailing in the region when the US Coast Guard attempted to intercept it.The pursuit comes amid a broader US naval buildup in the Caribbean as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on Maduros government, particularly by targeting Venezuelas oil exports. The US has already intercepted two other tankers off Venezuelas coast this month as part of efforts to cut off the countrys oil revenues.Trump declined to clearly state his ultimate objective in Venezuela but again suggested Maduro should step aside. He warned of possible military action and described the current US presence as overwhelming.We have a massive armada the biggest weve ever had, and the biggest weve ever had in South America, Trump said. If he plays tough, itd be the last time hes ever able to play tough.Asked whether the pressure was intended to force Maduro from power, Trump said it would be smart for the Venezuelan leader to step down, stressing that the decision ultimately rests with him. Trump also confirmed that oil seized from intercepted tankers would be retained by the United States, with the possibility of adding it to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Were going to keep it, he said. Were keeping the ships also.US officials believe Bella 1 is part of a so-called shadow fleet used to transport oil from sanctioned countries. Authorities say a warrant had been issued for its seizure. Earlier this month, the US Coast Guard intercepted the tanker Centuries in international waters, which officials said was carrying sanctioned Venezuelan oil. In December, the US also seized the tanker Skipper over its links to Iran.The actions form part of the Trump administrations renewed push to tighten economic and military pressure on Caracas, as Washington continues to challenge Maduros grip on power.The post Trump says U.S. will keep the crude oil and tankers seized near Venezuela appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.