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The United States has intensified its pressure on Venezuela by imposing new sanctions targeting the country's oil industry and key figures within President Nicolas Maduro's circle. On Thursday (December 11), the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions on three of Maduro's nephews, known as the "narco-nephews," and several shipping companies involved in transporting Venezuelan oil. This move follows the seizure of an oil tanker, reportedly carrying millions of dollars' worth of oil, off the Venezuelan coast.
The sanctioned individuals include Franqui Flores, Carlos Flores, and Efrain Campo, who have been linked to drug trafficking activities in the U.S. These individuals have been denied access to any U.S. property or financial assets, and American citizens and companies are prohibited from engaging in business with them. The sanctions also target Panamanian businessman Ramon Carretero and six vessels accused of transporting Venezuelan oil.
The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control stated that these measures aim to disrupt the financial networks supporting Maduro's regime. The sanctions come amid a broader U.S. strategy to pressure Venezuela, which includes military presence in the Caribbean and actions against illicit oil shipping networks.
On Wednesday (December 10), U.S. forces seized an oil tanker, the Skipper, in international waters. The tanker was allegedly part of an illicit network supporting Venezuela and Iran. CNN reported that the tanker was carrying nearly two million barrels of oil, valued at approximately $84 million. The seizure has prompted Venezuelan President Maduro to accuse the U.S. of engaging in "criminal naval piracy."