US Coast Guard Pursues Vessel Off Venezuelan Coast: Reactions and Concerns
The U.S. Coast Guard is currently pursuing the sanctioned vessel Bella 1 in international waters off Venezuela. This vessel, added to the U.S. sanctions list in June 2024, is accused of involvement in a network supporting Houthi financial facilitator Sa’id al-Jamal and is flying a false flag. If captured, it would be the third such vessel intercepted by the U.S. in the Caribbean, following the seizure of the Skipper and another tanker carrying sanctioned oil. These actions occur amidst escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, including recent U.S. strikes and the consideration of further military action.
John Q. Hosedrinker