US Targets Maduro Family and Oil Tankers in Fresh Sanctions Push
The United States has launched a new round of sanctions against Venezuela, turning the spotlight on relatives of President Nicolás Maduro and a group of oil tankers linked to the country’s energy trade. The move, announced late Thursday, adds fresh tension to an already strained relationship between Washington and Caracas. Officials in Washington said the sanctions cover three nephews of Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, citing their past criminal convictions and long standing concerns about corruption. Six oil tankers and the companies that operate them were also placed under sanctions after US authorities accused them of helping Venezuela move crude in ways designed to dodge existing restrictions. There was an air of unease in diplomatic circles as word spread. US agencies described the action as part of a broader effort to choke off illegal revenue tied to the Venezuelan leadership. Caracas pushed back almost immediately. Government allies condemned the move, calling it politically driven and an attack on the country’s sovereignty. The reaction followed closely behind a separate flashpoint this week, when the US seized a Venezuelan oil tanker in a high profile offshore operation that drew sharp criticism from Venezuelan officials. The new sanctions underline a deepening resolve in Washington to apply sustained pressure on President Maduro’s government. The latest measures suggest that the months ahead may bring even fiercer exchanges, as both sides brace for what looks set to be a long and uneasy standoff.
| 2025-12-12 12:12:39