Oil tankers carrying crude and fuel have recently been sighted departing from Venezuela, despite the ongoing United States blockade. Reuters reported that around 12 oil tankers were spotted making their way outside of the country with at least four tanking routes near Margarita Island. This is not an isolated occurrence, as previous fleets have been observed violating the export restrictions and evading surveillance by changing ship names and positions to avoid satellite monitoring, according to the New York Times. This development comes as the United States seeks an increasing role in Venezuela’s affairs.
The U.S. takes a firm stance on enforcing its sanctions, regardless of persistent opposing views. These so-called “ghost fleets” carrying oil are of great concern to US officials, with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stating that such vessels “will not outrun justice,” as reported by the Guardian. However, concerns and condemnations have been voiced regarding the U.S.’ involvement in Venezuela, including from the United Nations’ Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). They cite fundamental rules of international law as reasoning for their condemnation of unilateral sanctions. This raises complex questions about the legality of the U.S.’ sanctions and of the vessels evading enforcement.
Much remains unanswered as tensions continue to rise between the various stakeholders involved and their competing interests. Reuters notes that the blockade has been implemented since mid-December, even before the U.S. operation to capture President Maduro on Jan. 3. This timing raises questions about the true intentions of the continuing involvement in the nation. Adding to this concern, the OHCHR previously reported on the U.S.’ arbitrary killings in September of at least 104 individuals who were not posing any immediate threat to necessitate lethal force. The nation’s continuing and persistent involvement in Venezuela brings to question intentions, legality and future implications. Although this may be serving the short-term policy goals of the U.S., there are many long term implications for the security and well being of the Venezuelan people. What should take precedent is durable peace and stability for the nation.
Current tensions come after years of disagreement between the United States and Venezuela, with reliance on oil being the motivating factor. These sanctions are not new, but have been expanded and more strongly enforced in recent months. A major development has also been the U.S.’ capture of Venezuela’s president, which also raises legality and sovereignty concerns. To get a more holistic view of this crisis, readers can look to the Organization for World Peace’s crisis index.
The recent news of these defiant oil fleets reflects a growing level of escalation between the U.S. and Venezuela. The rhetoric surrounding this crisis should be that of stability and long term peace for the people of Venezuela. When taking actions that affect foreign nations, United States officials should shift their mindset towards peace, de-escalation and respect for international norms.
