UPDATE 2 - US 'in active pursuit' of 3rd oil tanker near Venezuela amid escalating tensions

REVISES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE, ADDS CHANGES IN ACCORDANCE WITH WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - US forces were pursuing another oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela on Sunday amid escalating tensions in the Caribbean, which if seized would mark the third interception of a tanker in the region since Dec. 10.

“The United States Coast Guard is in active pursuit of a sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion," said a US official.

The official added that the vessel is "flying a false flag and under a judicial seizure order."

The US Coast Guard’s operation is targeting the Panamanian-flagged Bella 1, a sanctioned oil tanker en route to Venezuela to load oil, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Venezuela has not issued an official statement on the latest operation.

The incident follows the boarding of the Centuries supertanker on Saturday and the Skipper on Dec. 10.

The latest development comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas.

US President Donald Trump last Tuesday declared a "total and complete blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.

Venezuela has condemned the US actions as "international piracy."

Washington has said the measures are part of broader efforts aimed at combating corruption and drug trafficking, while Caracas accuses the US of using anti-narcotics efforts as a pretext to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power and gain control over Venezuela's oil resources.