As President Donald Trump's government increases pressure on Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, the United States imposed sanctions on four companies that it claimed were involved in Venezuela's oil industry.

In a press release, the U.S. Treasury Department said that it had imposed sanctions against oil traders who were involved in sanction evasion on behalf of Maduro's regime. The Treasury Department said that four vessels were among the targets. Some of these vessels are alleged to be part of the "shadow fleet" by the Treasury.

Treasury's statement said that "today's actions further signal?that those who are involved in the Venezuelan?oil?trade continue?to face?significant sanction risks."

The sanctions are the latest in Trump's campaign to pressure Maduro. This has included an increased military presence in?region, and more than 20 military strikes against vessels suspected of trafficking drugs in the Pacific Ocean or Caribbean Sea near?South American nation.

Trump announced this month a blockade on all vessels sanctioned?entering or leaving?Venezuelan water as part of his strategy to put pressure on Maduro. The?U.S. The?U.S.

(source: Reuters)