The X post below argues that the U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, often framed by media as an anti-narcotics operation, is actually a strategic effort to rigorously enforce sanctions on Venezuela and sever Nicolás Maduro’s primary revenue source: oil exports. By deploying cutters, patrol aircraft, and Navy assets along key export routes, the U.S. (President Trump) aims to disrupt Venezuela’s “dark fleet” system of shadowy tankers, ship-to-ship transfers, and falsified documentation, as exemplified by a recent tanker seizure signaling intensified interdiction.
The piece highlights Venezuela’s economic vulnerability, with oil accounting for over 90% of exports and generating $20-35 million daily, funding military loyalty, imports, and patronage amid critically low reserves (under $1 billion). Without this revenue, the regime could face collapse within weeks: 3 weeks for import shortages, 30-45 days for payroll issues, and 45-60 days for systemic breakdowns like power failures and hyperinflation. Allies like China and Iran are unlikely to provide bailouts, as they prioritize cheap oil over direct confrontation with U.S. forces.
Today the @FBI and our partners executed a seizure warrant for a crude oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela – used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. The tanker has been used in recent years in an illicit shipping network supporting foreign terrorist… pic.twitter.com/32w0tG93jy
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) December 10, 2025
The strategy seeks a non-violent regime change by creating a financial crisis that fractures Maduro’s coalition, paving the way for a legitimate successor without invasion. The author contrasts this with historical examples of authoritarian collapses due to revenue loss and criticizes media framing as outdated inertia, emphasizing modern statecraft’s focus on controlling financial flows.
The buildup ends years of lax enforcement, potentially toppling the regime in 6-12 weeks if sustained, while aligning with U.S. policy to restore Venezuelan democracy rather than impose a new government.
Today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Coast Guard, with support from the Department of War, executed a seizure warrant for a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. For multiple… pic.twitter.com/dNr0oAGl5x
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) December 10, 2025
Read it – it’s a compelling rationale for the activities in the region that the lazy media is unprepared to examine closely.
— @amuse (@amuse) December 10, 2025
