The Treasury Department added four companies and associated oil tankers with ties to Venezuela’s oil industry to the list of growing sanctions as the U.S. ramps up its pressure campaign on the South American country.
The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control said Wednesday that the sanctions target Aries Global Investment LTD, Corniola Limited, Krape Myrtle Co LTD and Winky International Limited along with their associated 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,” the Treasury Department said.
“President Trump has been clear: We will not allow the illegitimate Maduro regime to profit from exporting oil while it floods the United States with deadly drugs,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. “The Treasury Department will continue to implement President Trump’s campaign of pressure on Maduro’s regime.”
The department described the ships as part of a “shadow fleet serving Venezuela.”
The latest action comes after the Trump administration sanctioned 10 companies and individuals based in Venezuela and Iran earlier this week over both nations’ aggressive trade of ballistic missile and drone technology.
At the same time, the U.S. has ramped up its military presence in the region. It has also sanctioned family members and associates of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Mr. Trump on Monday confirmed the U.S. struck a dock in Venezuela that he said was used to load drugs onto boats, in the first known land attack against the country.
Two oil tankers were seized near the country as well as a way to hit Venezuela’s largest export and its economy.
Mr. Trump has also designated the Venezuelan government a “terrorist organization” and has ordered a “complete and total” blockade of sanctioned oil tankers moving in and out of the country.
– Jeff Mordock contributed to this report.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
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