U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard is a branch of the U.S. military responsible for maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and coastal defense. Recent news focuses on its role in enforcing sanctions against Venezuela by seizing oil tankers. The Coast Guard has boarded or seized multiple tankers suspected of carrying Venezuelan oil, part of a broader U.S. effort to curb Venezuela's oil exports. These actions have led to increased tensions with Russia, as Russia has dispatched naval vessels to escort and protect some of these tankers. One tanker even attempted to evade the Coast Guard by painting a Russian flag, changing its name, and reflagging to Russia. The Coast Guard also recently suspended a search for a passenger who went overboard from a cruise ship near Cuba. The Coast Guard's actions highlight the U.S. government's stance on Venezuela and the complexities of international maritime law enforcement.