US Sanctions Maduro's Relatives, Venezuela Oil Tankers; Seizes Vessel

• US issued new sanctions targeting Venezuela, including three nephews of President Maduro's wife and six crude oil tankers/shipping companies.
• The sanctions aim to increase pressure on Caracas, with the US accusing the regime of fueling a "corrupt narco-terrorist regime."
• Targeted nephews include Franqui Flores and Efrain Antonio Campo Flores, previously convicted in a cocaine deal, and Carlos Erik Malpica Flores.
• Six crude oil tankers, some Panama-flagged, were sanctioned for deceptive shipping practices moving Venezuelan oil.
• Experts believe the sanctions are a "powerful intimidation tactic" that could lead to more seizures and impact Venezuela's oil exports.

Why It Matters: US sanctions on Venezuela's oil trade escalate tensions and economic pressure.