US officials have told BBC News partner CBS that the US has seized a vessel in international waters off the coast of Venezuela. The operation, led by the US Coast Guard, marks the second time this month that the US has seized a ship off the country's coast. According to CBS, the ship was boarded by a specialised tactical team.

The move comes after US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he was ordering a "blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. Venezuela has not yet responded to the latest US seizure, but has previously accused Washington of seeking to steal its oil resources. The BBC has contacted the White House for comment.

The US has been building up its military presence in the Caribbean Sea in recent weeks, and has carried out deadly strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats, killing around 100 people. The US has provided no public evidence that these vessels were carrying drugs, and the military has come under increasing scrutiny from Congress over the strikes.

US officials have accused Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro of various human rights abuses and corruption, which has led to the imposition of economic sanctions on the country. Maduro has responded by accusing the US of seeking to overthrow his government and steal Venezuela's oil resources.

The US has also been critical of Venezuela's handling of its oil resources, with some officials suggesting that the country's oil wealth is being mismanaged. The US has been seeking to pressure Maduro's government to reform its oil industry and increase transparency.

The seizure of the vessel has been met with concern from some international observers, who have expressed worries about the escalation of tensions between the US and Venezuela. "This move by the US is a further escalation of the conflict in Venezuela, and it's likely to have serious consequences for the country and its people," said a spokesperson for the European Union.

The US has not yet provided any information about the identity of the seized vessel or the cargo it was carrying. The operation is ongoing, and it is unclear what will happen to the vessel and its crew.

The situation in Venezuela remains highly volatile, with ongoing protests and clashes between government forces and opposition groups. The international community is closely watching the situation, and there are concerns about the potential for further escalation.