US Intercepts Second Tanker in Venezuela Blockade Amid Rising Tensions

• US Coast Guard intercepted the Centuries supertanker, carrying 2 million barrels of Venezuelan crude, in the Caribbean.
• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated the operation was part of President Trump's blockade order against Venezuela.
• White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly claimed the Panamanian-flagged vessel was part of a "shadow fleet" trafficking "stolen oil" for the "Maduro regime."
• Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez condemned the interception as "theft and kidnapping" and "a serious act of piracy."
• This is the second such interception this month, following the Skipper on Dec 10, as Trump escalates pressure on Maduro.

Why It Matters: US escalates Venezuela blockade with second tanker interception, drawing strong condemnation from Caracas.