X user @Nexus_osintx reported that the crude oil tanker XANTHOS EOS, IMO 9231212, sanctioned and banned by the EU, UK OFSI, and US OFAC, was last tracked around 3 hours ago operating near Caracas, Venezuela, following its departure from Punta Cardón Port, according to a post between 3:16 AM and 3:45 AM UTC on December 18, 2025. The update stated the vessel's last known position was reported around 6 hours ago upon departure from Punta Cardón Port, as quoted in the X post at https://x.com/Nexus_osintx/status/2001494060088070387. US Senator Marco Rubio posted "#NewProfilePic" on X during the same 29-minute window, according to the post at https://x.com/marcorubio/status/2001493318384169125. This development occurs amid ongoing US-Venezuela tensions, including US Southern Command's lethal strike on a narco-trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific on December 17, as announced just before 1:45 AM UTC.
