US Forces Intercept Second Vessel Off Venezuela Amid Trump's Blockade Push

• US forces stopped a second merchant vessel off the coast of Venezuela, marking the second such incident in under two weeks.
• The action is part of President Donald Trump's escalating pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
• Trump recently announced a "blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers and demanded Venezuela return seized US oil company assets.
• Officials described the latest stop as a "consented boarding," with the tanker voluntarily allowing US forces to board.
• Trump cited lost US oil investments and drug trafficking accusations as reasons for the increased pressure and blockade.

Why It Matters: US intensifies pressure on Venezuela with second vessel interception, citing oil disputes and sanctions.