U.S. forces intercepted a second merchant vessel off the coast of Venezuela in international waters on Saturday, according to multiple officials who spoke to News under the condition of anonymity. This development follows a recent announcement by Donald Trump regarding a “blockade” aimed at all sanctioned oil tankers entering and exiting the South American nation.

This military operation is part of a broader strategy to increase pressure on Venezuela, particularly following the seizure of an oil tanker near its coast on December 10. Trump and his advisors have not ruled out the possibility of open conflict with Venezuela, especially as President Nicolás Maduro has called upon his navy to escort oil tankers in the region, challenging the largest U.S. military presence there in decades.

In a Friday interview with NBC News, Trump stated that a military confrontation with Maduro’s regime remains a possibility. “I don’t rule it out, no,” he emphasized, highlighting the precarious nature of foreign affairs involving Venezuela.

The U.S. government has escalated its rhetoric against Venezuela this week, accusing the nation of seizing American oil assets and costing the U.S. billions in investments. Trump remarked, “You remember they took all of our energy rights. They took all of our oil not that long ago. And we want it back. They took it – they illegally took it.” His administration subsequently ordered a “total and complete” blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers related to Venezuela.

On Thursday, U.S. military forces executed a targeted strike against a vessel reportedly involved in drug trafficking activities in the eastern Pacific, resulting in four fatalities. This operation has brought the total death toll to 99 in a series of strikes against alleged drug-trafficking boats since September, further complicating the narrative of U.S. intervention.

Maduro contends that the U.S. motives extend beyond halting drug trafficking, alleging that Washington seeks regime change in Venezuela. The geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, with potential repercussions for democracy in America and civic engagement at home.

In a related development, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum weighed in on the situation, criticizing the perceived inaction of the United Nations and urging the international body to intervene to “prevent any bloodshed.”