Denizde Müsadere, Karada Diplomasi: ABD–Venezuela Geriliminde ‘Gölge Filo’ Operasyonları, El Koyma Emri, Blokaj Söylemi ve Deniz Hukuku

Abstract

Bu makale, ABD’nin Aralık 2025’te Venezuela açıklarında Venezuela petrolü taşıdığı belirtilen tankerleri durdurup el koymasını uluslararası hukuk ve yaptırım uygulaması çerçevesinde analiz etmektedir. Müdahalenin ABD’de bir federal hâkim tarafından verilen seizure warrant’a dayanması, iç hukuk bakımından müsadere gerekçesi sunmakla birlikte yüksek denizlerde gerçekleştirilen fiilî el koymanın uluslararası meşruiyetini kendiliğinden sağlamaz. Operasyonlar, ABD yaptırımlarını ihlal ettiği iddia edilen petrol taşımacılığına karşı yürütülmüş ve bazı gemilerin sahte bayrak kullanımı veya “karanlık filo” faaliyetleriyle bağlantılı olduğu öne sürülmüştür. Buna karşılık Venezuela ve bazı devletler müdahaleleri korsanlık veya uluslararası hukukun ihlali olarak nitelendirmiştir. Çalışma; bayrak devleti yetkisi, serbest seyrüsefer, müdahale etmeme ve zor kullanma yasağı gibi temel normlar bağlamında yetki çatışmasını incelemektedir. Ayrıca yaptırımların sınır aşan uygulanması, üçüncü devletlerin hakları ve usul güvenceleri bakımından ortaya çıkan boşlukları değerlendirir. Sonuç olarak denizde yaptırım icrasının açık yetki, orantılılık ve şeffaflıkla sınırlandırılmadığı durumlarda fiilî abluka algısı yaratabileceği ve diplomatik gerilimi tırmandırabileceği ileri sürülmektedir.

Keywords

• Müsadere (civil forfeiture) ve seizure warrant
• Yüksek denizlerde yaptırım icrası
• Venezuela
• Bayrak Devleti yetkisi
• Serbest seyrüsefer ve müdahale

Seizure At Sea, Diplomacy on Land: ‘Shadow Fleet’ Operations, Seizure Orders, Blockade Rhetoric and Maritime Law in US–Venezuela Tensions

Abstract

This article analyzes the United States’ interception and seizure of tankers allegedly carrying Venezuelan oil off the coast of Venezuela in December 2025 within the framework of international law and sanctions enforcement. Although the operation relied on a seizure warrant issued by a U.S. federal judge, providing a domestic legal basis grounded in civil forfeiture, such authorization does not automatically establish the international legality of a physical intervention on the high seas. The actions targeted oil shipments suspected of violating U.S. sanctions, with some vessels allegedly linked to deceptive practices such as false flagging or participation in so-called “dark fleet” operations. Venezuela and several other states characterized the interceptions as acts of piracy or violations of international law, underscoring the diplomatic sensitivity of the incident. The study examines the resulting jurisdictional conflict through key legal principles, including flag state authority, freedom of navigation, the prohibition of the use of force, and the principle of non-intervention. It also assesses the extraterritorial application of sanctions, the protection of third-state rights, and deficiencies in procedural safeguards. The article concludes that maritime sanctions enforcement lacking a clear legal mandate, proportionality, and transparency risks creating the perception of a de facto blockade and may intensify diplomatic escalation and regional instability.

Keywords

• Civil forfeiture and seizure warrants
• Sanctions enforcement on the high seas
• Venezuelan
• Flag state jurisdiction
• Freedom of navigation and interdiction

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