New Sanctions Imposed
The U.S. Treasury Department has added four companies and their associated oil tankers, linked to Venezuela’s oil industry, to its growing list of sanctions as part of an intensified pressure campaign against the South American nation.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control announced that the sanctions specifically target Aries Global Investment LTD, Corniola Limited, Krape Myrtle Co LTD, and Winky International Limited, along with their vessels: Della, Valiant, Nord Star, and Rosalind.
“Today’s action further signals that those involved in the Venezuelan oil trade continue to face significant sanctions risks,” stated the Treasury Department.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized President Trump’s stance: “We will not allow the illegitimate Maduro regime to profit from exporting oil while it floods the United States with deadly drugs.” He affirmed that the Treasury will persist in applying pressure on Maduro’s government.
The department characterized these ships as part of a “shadow fleet serving Venezuela.”
This latest round of sanctions follows earlier actions by the Trump administration against ten companies and individuals from Venezuela and Iran for their involvement in ballistic missile and drone technology trade.
Simultaneously, U.S. military presence in the region has increased. The government has also imposed sanctions on family members and associates of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
On Monday, President Trump confirmed a U.S. strike on a dock in Venezuela used for loading drugs onto boats—marking the first known land attack against the country.
Additionally, two oil tankers were seized near Venezuela as part of efforts to undermine its largest export and economic stability.
The Trump administration has designated the Venezuelan government as a “terrorist organization” and ordered a comprehensive blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving the country.
