US Seizes Venezuela-Linked Oil Tanker Ahead of Trump-Machado Meeting

• The U.S. seized the motor tanker Veronica in the Caribbean, the sixth Venezuela-linked vessel targeted recently.
• The seizure is part of President Trump's campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his declared quarantine on sanctioned ships.
• U.S. forces previously detained Maduro and his wife on January 3, with Trump stating intentions to control Venezuela's oil resources.
• Intercepted vessels are either under U.S. sanctions or part of a 'shadow fleet' transporting oil from sanctioned producers.
• The seizure precedes Trump's meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, though he has ruled out installing her as leader.

Why It Matters: The U.S. continues its pressure campaign on Venezuela by seizing oil tankers and controlling its oil resources.