US pursuing third oil tanker off Venezuela as military build-up continues | BBC News

The United States Coast Guard is in "active pursuit" of an oil tanker sailing in international waters off the coast of Venezuela, according to US officials. It follows the seizure of two other tankers by the US in recent days.

US President Donald Trump has ordered a "blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving the country, accusing Venezuela of using oil revenue to fund drug-related crime and terrorism.

A US official said the latest ship being targeted was part of a "sanctioned dark fleet that is part of Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion” and said it is “flying a false flag and under a judicial seizure order."

Venezuela has described the seizures as theft, kidnapping and piracy and accuses the Trump administration of seeking to overthrow its president Nicolas Maduro.

In recent weeks the US has been building up its military presence in the Caribbean Sea, with growing speculation that the Trump administration could launch a direct military attack on Venezuela.

The US has also been carrying out a series of air strikes on boats it accuses of smuggling drugs from Venezuela, killing around 100 people.

Jane Hill presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Joe Inwood.

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