Viewers of ABC’s World News Tonight expressed their discontent after anchor Rachel Scott delivered breaking news in place of regular host David Muir, who was absent during his customary weekend off. The evening broadcast focused on escalating tensions involving Venezuela as the US Coast Guard pursued a sanctioned tanker off the Venezuelan coast, marking the third such operation in ten days.
Scott opened the segment with a report detailing the pursuit of the tanker, stating, “The show down the Caribbean Sea. The US Coast Guard is pursuing a third tanker off the Venezuelan coast. It’s the third in the last ten days. Tonight, Venezuela is pushing back, calling the seizures ‘theft and hijacking.’” Following her introduction, Selina Wang, ABC’s senior White House correspondent, took over to expand on the situation.
According to Wang, “Tonight, rising tensions with Venezuela as the US is in active pursuit of a sanctioned Dark Fleet vessel fleeing the Caribbean.” A US official informed ABC News that the Coast Guard was attempting to intercept a vessel identified as part of Venezuela’s “illegal sanctions evasion.” The official further noted that the ship was “flying a false flag and under a judicial seizure order.”
This latest operation follows the seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela by an elite Coast Guard tactical team. This same unit had previously executed a daring operation ten days earlier, where American forces rappelled from helicopters onto another oil tanker to regain control. Venezuela responded to these actions by decrying them as theft and hijacking, amplifying the ongoing diplomatic strain.
Wang highlighted the broader implications of these actions, referencing comments made by President Trump. “Last week, President Trump threatened to impose what he called a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, a move that could devastate the Venezuelan economy.” She also reported on the Pentagon’s recent strikes against 28 alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in at least 100 fatalities, although no public evidence has been provided regarding those killed.
The administration has maintained that its pressure campaign targets drug traffickers and sanctioned oil operations, yet some Republicans are openly advocating for regime change in Venezuela. Wang noted, “President Trump has been warning for weeks now that land strikes targeting drug traffickers inside Venezuela could be coming soon, saying this week that he’s not ruling out war.” Lawmakers are now pressing the administration for clarity on the ultimate objectives of these actions, questioning if the focus is on oil, drugs, or regime change.
The segment was shared on ABC’s Instagram account, accompanied by a caption that emphasized the US Coast Guard’s ongoing operations against vessels linked to Venezuela’s sanctions evasion. Audience reactions were swift and varied, with many expressing concern over the US’s role in the situation. One viewer commented, “Why are we becoming that kid everyone hated in the seventh grade?” Another remarked, “Stop it. Leave them folks alone,” reflecting a widespread sentiment against perceived aggression.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the US administration will navigate these complex international waters and what impact these operations will have on US-Venezuela relations. The evolving narrative highlights the intricate balance between national security interests and the geopolitical ramifications of military action in the Caribbean region.
