U.S. forces intercepted an oil tanker near Venezuela on Saturday This was the second such action in less than two weeks The move signals a sharp escalation by President Donald Trump Trump has ordered a blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil The tanker, named Centuries, was stopped before dawn U.S. Coast Guard led the operation with Defense Department support Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the action A U.S. helicopter deployed personnel onto the vessel The tanker was flying the flag of Panama It had recently docked in Venezuela U.S. officials claim the oil was sanctioned The boarding was described as voluntary and “consented” The legality of the seizure remains disputed A maritime expert said the vessel appeared properly registered Despite this, the oil likely violated U.S. sanctions Experts call the move a major escalation The goal appears to be deterrence of other tankers Venezuela condemned the action as “criminal” Caracas vowed to pursue legal action internationally Complaints may be filed at the United Nations Trump has warned President Nicolás Maduro’s days are numbered The U.S. demands compensation for seized American oil assets Trump claims Venezuela “stole” U.S. energy rights Some tankers are already diverting away from Venezuela The U.S. links oil trafficking to narcoterrorism Military pressure in the region continues to grow Warships have been deployed to the Caribbean Human rights groups are raising serious concerns Venezuela says the real aim is regime change The standoff marks one of the most dangerous phases yet If you want, I can also make this news-anchor style, headline + punch lines, or social-media caption format.
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