society
THE GREAT OIL STRUGGLE: How the United States Seized Venezuelan Oil, Defied Sanctions and Shook Global Order
THE GREAT OIL STRUGGLE: How the United States Seized Venezuelan Oil, Defied Sanctions and Shook Global Order.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com
“Trump’s Venezuela Strategy, Global Oil Politics and the World’s Watchful Silence.”
In a dramatic and unprecedented turn of events that reads like a 21st-century REALPOLITIK THRILLER, the United States under President Donald J. Trump has engineered a sweeping campaign to seize control of Venezuelan oil (the lifeblood of the South American nation) in defiance of longstanding export sanctions, international norms and mounting global unease. What began as a sanctions regime has morphed into a geopolitical juggernaut with oil tankers pursued across oceans, nations blockaded and the very principle of sovereign resource ownership thrown into question.
Sanctions, Sanctions Evaded and Three Oil Tankers Bound for the U.S.
As sanctions tightened on Venezuela’s petroleum industry (once a cornerstone of global crude markets) a new pattern emerged on the high seas. Despite crippling export limitations tied to U.S. financial penalties, Chevron-chartered vessels began moving crude to American refineries, underscoring the complexity and contradictions of U.S. energy policy. On January 8, 2026, three of the 11 Chevron-chartered ships were confirmed transporting Venezuelan oil onward to the United States, even amid “EXPORT SANCTIONS” that were ostensibly still in force.
This logistical twist reflects the convoluted reality: while broad sanctions remain in place, selective waivers and deals have been struck to prioritize oil flows that align with U.S. interests. In effect, sanctions enforcement has become a tool of leverage and not only to punish Maduro but to redirect Venezuela’s oil to American shores under terms set by Washington.
Shadow Fleets and Sinking Sovereignty: The Seizure of Oil Tankers.
The U.S. campaign took an audacious escalation in early January 2026, when government forces seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuelan crude exports and one of which was Russian-flagged and had been chased across the Atlantic for more than two weeks.
The Marinera (formerly Bella 1), flagged under Russia after attempts to evade detection and the M Sophia, intercepted in the Caribbean Sea, were both taken into U.S. custody under sanctions enforcement action. Washington claims these vessels were part of a “SHADOW FLEET” that shipped Venezuelan oil, potentially contravening American sanctions.
These seizures are not isolated incidents. At least four oil tankers have now been intercepted or commandeered by U.S. forces in the last weeks, part of an aggressive maritime campaign aimed at choking off Venezuela’s oil revenues.
Russia has vocally condemned these actions as breaches of international maritime law and “NEO-COLONIAL” overreach. Though the United States insists legal authority lies in its sanctions regime and national security prerogatives.
Military Might and Oil Blockade: Operation Southern Spear.
These maritime subplots occur against the backdrop of Operation Southern Spear, a sweeping U.S. naval and military buildup in the Caribbean since late 2025 that culminated in strikes, interceptor actions and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro himself in early January 2026, an act that stands out as one of the boldest and most controversial in recent U.S. foreign policy.
Initially framed as combating narcotics trafficking and enforcing sanctions, Southern Spear has resulted in:
A naval “blockade” (technically a quarantine of sanctioned tankers) restricting oil exports from Venezuelan ports.
Multiple U.S. military and Coast Guard seizures of oil tankers.
Threats and limited strikes on maritime vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
This buildup represents the largest American military presence in the Caribbean in decades, eclipsing even Cold War deployments and serves the twin purposes of resource control and regime destabilization.
Congressional Pushback and Global Watchers.
In Washington, not all branches of government have stood in unison behind Trump’s bold approach. A bipartisan U.S. Senate resolution was advanced to require congressional approval for further military action in Venezuela, a direct rebuke to unilateral executive maneuvers.
Senator Tim Kaine, a key proponent of the measure, underscored the constitutional imperative of legislative oversight on matters of war and peace. For critics in both the U.S. and abroad, the growing conflation of oil interests with military action recalls historical resource-driven conflicts and raises alarms about executive overreach.
At the United Nations, diplomats and legal experts have flagged legal concerns. Some UN bodies and experts characterize aspects of the blockade and seizures as violations of the UN Charter and customary maritime law, especially given that U.S. sanctions lack Security Council authorization and extend into international waters not under U.S. jurisdiction.
Yet, concrete collective action from the UN remains muted though revealing the limitations of global governance when confronted by a superpower with strategic intent.
Oil, Influence and Economic Leverage.
At the heart of the conflict is Venezuela’s massive crude reserves, among the largest on Earth. Control over these resources is not only an economic windfall but a geopolitical asset in a fractured world order where energy remains central to national power.
Trump’s administration has outlined plans to refine and market up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude, funneling proceeds into U.S. economic channels and leveraging energy dominance for diplomatic influence.
Vice President J.D. Vance, articulating the strategy, stated, “We control the energy resources and we tell the regime, you are allowed to sell the oil so long as you serve America’s national interest” A statement that encapsulates not merely commercial policy but a territorial conception of resource sovereignty.
Global Repercussions and the World’s Gaze.
The world watches while the United States expands its grip on Venezuelan oil and many questions loom:
Legal legitimacy: Maritime law experts and UN legal authorities warn that unilateral blockades and seizures could redefine international norms if left uncontested.
Geopolitical tension: Russia has condemned U.S. actions and China (a major buyer of Venezuelan crude) denounced the seizures as “BULLYING.”
Economic impact: Venezuelan crude exports have plummeted as tanker traffic evaporates amid U.S. pressure.
Humanitarian crisis: With oil at the core of Venezuela’s economy already near collapse, further disruptions risk worsening living conditions for millions.
Critics argue that Washington’s aggressive posture risks turning the Caribbean into a new flashpoint of great-power rivalry, with oil reserves as the coveted prize. Scholar Dr. Felipe Gómez of the Latin American Institute for Geopolitical Studies warns, “Energy dominance pursued through coercion will fracture trust and ignite competition that the global system is ill-prepared to manage.”
Meanwhile, former U.S. Ambassador Anne Peterson comments, “When you conflate security and resource control, you invite conflict. The international community must reaffirm the principles that challenged nations, too, have rights under international law.”
In Retrospect: A New Age of Oil Politics.
The saga of Venezuelan oil and U.S. intervention is not simply about petroleum and sanctions. It is a stark illustration of how energy resources remain central to power, how laws can bend under national interest and how the global order (beset by rivalries and weakening multilateralc institutions) increasingly operates in a realist paradigm.
The world watches as tankers are seized, Congress debates war powers and the United States asserts its will far from its shores. Oil is more than a commodity here; it is the linchpin of political leverage and Venezuela (for all its suffering and turmoil) has become the epicenter of a renewed struggle over who controls energy and, by extension, the fate of nations.
In this unfolding drama, one truth is unmistakable: power flows with oil and those who control the oil may yet control the direction of history itself.
PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU AND GENERAL CHRISTOPHER MUSA: A NEW ERA OF SECURITY AND PROGRESS
By Prince Sunday Joshua Bako
President Bola Tinubu has made significant strides in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges since taking office, with notable important appointments and initiatives aimed at stabilizing the nation. One of his key important appointments is General Christopher Musa as the Minister of Defence, who has brought a wealth of experience and strategic thinking to the role.
General Musa, a seasoned military leader, hit the ground running, launching a series of bold operations to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency and other security threats. His approach has been characterized by speed, agility, and a deep understanding of the complexities of modern warfare.
In his first few months in office, General Musa has achieved significant milestones, including the liberation of over 1,500 hostages and the reclamation of strategic territories in Borra, as well as the introduction of mobile strike teams equipped with night-vision capabilities and armored vehicles.
The General established a dedicated Cyber Warfare Command to fortify Nigeria’s defenses against emerging threats, and introduced comprehensive health insurance for soldiers, covering combat-related injuries. Additionally, he has increased allowances for frontline troops by 20% in 2024, a move aimed at boosting morale and improving the welfare of security personnel.
President Tinubu has made historic and significant strides in addressing Nigeria’s security and economic challenges, implementing policies aimed at boosting growth and stability. His administration has launched initiatives to address banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, and has invested in infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and economic development.
The headlines speak for themselves what it was during the last tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure and the giant strides we have made now under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and General Christopher Musa as Defence Minister.
1. Boko Haram Insurgency: 55 people killed in two raids near Maiduguri (2015)
2. Takum Taraba State Attack: 21 people killed (2015)
3. Agatu Massacre: Thousands displaced in Benue State (February 29, 2016)
4. Akure Cult Attack: 103 people killed (2017)
5. Ogbagi Akoko Bank Robbery: 20 people killed (2017)
6. Boko Haram Attack on Military Base: 66 personnel killed in Geidam (2018)
7. Kpanche Attack: 40 people killed in Kogi State (2018)
8. Izi Communal Clash: 85 people killed in Ebonyi State (April 2019)
9. Anguwan Aku Attack: 78 people killed in Kaduna State (April 2019)
10. Kankara Attack: 96 people killed in Katsina State (April 2019)
11. Safana, Dutsinma and Danmusa Attack: 67 people killed in Katsina State (2020)
12. Baga Convoy Attack: 30 people killed (2020)
13. Effium Attack: 14 people killed in Ebonyi State (2021)
14. Kurebe Ward Attack: 77 people killed in Niger State (February 2021)
15. Ebenebe Burial Attack: 20 people killed in Anambra State (February 26, 2022)
16. Owo Church Attack: 40 worshipers killed in Ondo State (June 5, 2022)
17. Aba Military Patrol Attack: unspecified number of Soldiers killed in Abia State (2022)
18. Niger State Terrorist Attack: Over 380 people killed (2022)
19. Ogun State Cult Violence: 8 people killed (2022)
20. Katsina Bandit Attack: 87 bandits killed (2022)
21. Northeast Nigeria Islamist Militant Attack: 340 people killed (2022)
22. Boko Haram-Related Violence: Over 5,000 fatalities (2016)
23. Herder-Farmer Clashes: 794 died in violence in middle belt region
24. Kidnapping: Growing industry flourished with high-profile cases
25. Niger Delta Militancy: Attacks on oil installations
26. Pro-Biafra Movement: Tensions and violence in southeast region
27. Islamist Insurgency: Thousands killed and displaced throughout northern Nigeria
28. Banditry: Increased attacks in northern Nigeria
29. Armed Robbery: historic threat to citizens
30. Cult Violence: Frequent attacks and killings during 8 years.
31. Terrorist Threats: US warns citizens in Nigeria to flee (2022)
32. Security Personnel Attacks: 238 police officers killed (2022)
33. Impeachment Attempts: Lawmakers try to remove Buhari (July 2022)
34. Boko Haram Amnesty Program: Controversy over government’s handling
35. Deradicalization Programs: Initiatives to reintegrate former militants who later rejoin insurgency
36. Operation Safe Corridor: Program to rehabilitate Boko Haram members end in controversy
37. National Counter Terrorism Strategy: Updated in 2016 failed
38. Military Campaigns: Operations against Boko Haram and other groups collapsed
39. International Cooperation: Support from US, UK, and other countries
40. Humanitarian Crisis: Displacement and economic impact
41. Economic Consequences: $100 billion disappeared or lost due to insecurity
42. Agricultural Impact: Farming disrupted in northeast and North West region
43. IDP Crisis: Over 4 million displaced
44. Security Budget: Increased spending with mixed results
45. Corruption Allegations: Questions over security fund management
46. Leadership Criticism: Analysts question Buhari’s approach
47. Ethnic and Religious Tensions: Ongoing conflicts
48. Porous Borders: Security challenges due to border control issues
49. Armed Groups: Rise of non-state actors
50. Civilian Casualties: High numbers reported throughout Buhari’s tenure
– Prince Sunday Joshua Bako Danborno is an All Progressive Congress Stalwart and Real Estate Merchant
society
King Of Knossos, His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson Received Allocades from UKA.
King Of Knossos, His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson Received Allocades from UKA.
His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson, President Of International Council of Archbishops And Bishops for Charismatic And Pentecostal Churches. A citizen of United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA), King Of Knossos in Greece.
While he was installed as King of Knossos promised sustained development and a lasting legacy for the island kingdom, assuring citizens that his reign will bring “a lot of things” for the benefit of the people.
Pledges Development and Lasting legacy.
Adding that his administration would focus on building the island to his taste, driving growth and progress, stressed that his reign would harness the full potential of the Knossos Kingdom, promising to introduce new infrastructure, attract investment, and strengthen the kingdom’s socio-economic standing. “We stand to gain a lot of things because the king is going to build that island to his taste, bringing development, bringing a lot of things,” he said.
The monarch expressed confidence that his leadership would open opportunities for growth while upholding the traditions of the kingdom.
A visionary leader, King Benny Terry Danson brings decades of transformative leadership to the role. As King of Knossos, Greece, he spearheaded initiatives that:
– *Revolutionized infrastructure*, driving economic growth,
– *Attracted global investment*, boosting the kingdom’s profile,
– *Strengthened socio-economic standing*, uplifting citizens.
_“We stand to gain a lot of things because the king is going to build that island to his taste,”_ he declared, emphasizing growth with tradition. His leadership in Knossos serves as a model for the UKA’s aspirations.
As President of the International Council of Archbishops and Bishops for Charismatic and Pentecostal Churches, King Danson wields global spiritual influence, aligning faith with progress. He has:
– *Fostered interfaith dialogue*, promoting unity,
– *Championed humanitarian causes*, aiding vulnerable communities,
– *Guided spiritual growth*, inspiring millions worldwide.
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In a landmark royal decree, the Office of the Minister of Information & Culture of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) has announced the appointment of *His Imperial Royal Eminence, King Sir Benny Terry Danson*, as the _Acting Admin King_ of the UKA Throne. The nomination was issued through an official directive from the UKA Throne and is intended to pave the way for King Sir Benny Terry Danson’s eventual ascension to the title of *Official Emperor Admin* of the Throne, subject to the completion of necessary formal and constitutional processes.
The UKA Throne emphasized that the appointment underscores its unwavering commitment to *competence, dedication, and integrity* as the guiding principles for all administrative functions within the government structure. Officials stated that the decision is a strategic move to reinforce national leadership and accelerate the kingdom’s vision of becoming a more efficient, progressive, and unified nation.
The new Acting Admin King will oversee initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth, improving public service delivery, and promoting collective national development among citizens and followers of the UKA. The government expressed deep appreciation for the continuous love, loyalty, and support shown by the populace, noting that public engagement is essential for the kingdom’s shared prosperity and advancement.
Further details regarding the formalization of the appointment, including ceremonial schedules and administrative timelines, will be released to the public in due course through official communication channels.
*Report Highlights:*
– *Nominee:* King Sir Benny Terry Danson, Acting Admin King.
– *Objective:* Transition toward becoming Official Emperor Admin of the UKA Throne.
– *Focus:* Strengthening governance through competence, dedication, and integrity.
– *Impact:* Expected to drive national efficiency, progress, and unity.
– *Next Steps:* Official ceremonies and constitutional procedures to follow.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) is a sovereign entity dedicated to fostering global unity, humanitarian progress, and financial innovation. It operates under a regal framework that blends imperial tradition with futuristic economic strategies, including asset-backed digital currencies and sustainable development programs.
Emperor Nobiliis Solomon Winning is a transformative leader of the United Kingdom of Atlantis, driving innovative projects in finance, humanitarian efforts, and global development. His reign focuses on merging traditional monarchical values with modern technological advancements, exemplified by initiatives like the ATC digital currency.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis looks forward to achieving new milestones in governance and global impact under the stewardship of Emperor Solomon Winning to His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson.
His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson has advised politicians contesting in the upcoming elections to maintain peace and ensure stability in the country.
In a statement, Archbishop Danson also appealed to the President of Nigeria to consider the plagi situation of citizens and ease the burden of fuel price hikes, which have led to soaring transportation costs and inflation ¹ ² ³.
“With the current fuel price hikes, Nigerians are facing unprecedented economic hardship. It’s imperative that the government takes immediate action to cushion the impact on citizens,” Archbishop Danson said.
The Archbishop’s call comes as petrol prices hit around ₦1,300 per litre, with diesel prices exceeding ₦1,500 per litre, sparking concerns of inflationary pressures and economic instability.
Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview
Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.
Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.
The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.
Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.
According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.
“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.
He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.
Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.
The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.
“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.
During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.
However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.
According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.
The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.
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