U.S. seeks to assert control over Venezuelan oil with tanker seizures and sales

The U.S. seized two sanctioned tankers carrying Venezuelan oil and announced steps to relax some sanctions so it can oversee sales of Venezuela's petroleum worldwide; officials say oil movement will be limited to approved channels under U.S. law.

U.S. officials reported seizures of sanctioned tankers and new measures to oversee Venezuelan oil sales worldwide. The announcements came after U.S. forces removed President Nicolás Maduro in a nighttime operation, according to the article. The Energy Department said oil leaving Venezuela will move only through approved channels consistent with U.S. law and national security interests. Officials described changes to sanctions intended to allow U.S. supervision of how Venezuelan petroleum is sold. What officials reported: - Two sanctioned tankers were seized: the Bella 1 in the North Atlantic and the M Sophia in the Caribbean Sea, according to U.S. European Command and Homeland Security statements. - Officials said those vessels were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it. - The article says the administration plans to relax some sanctions so the United States can oversee sales of Venezuelan petroleum worldwide. - Officials stated that only oil transported in and out of Venezuela will move through approved channels under U.S. law and national security interests. - The seizures follow earlier U.S. actions that took control of other vessels, including the Skipper and the Centuries. Summary: Officials say the measures aim to place U.S. oversight over Venezuela's oil exports and referenced an arrangement for up to 50 million barrels to be provided to the United States with seized cargo possibly included. Undetermined at this time.