US forces have seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump announced, marking a sharp escalation in Washington's pressure campaign against Nicolás Maduro's government.
We have just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela - a large tanker, very large, the largest one ever seized actually, Trump told reporters at the White House.
Releasing a video of the seizure, Attorney General Pam Bondi described the vessel as a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. Following the incident, Caracas swiftly denounced the action, calling it an act of international piracy. Earlier, President Maduro declared that Venezuela would never become an oil colony.
The Trump administration has accused Venezuela of funneling narcotics into the US and has intensified efforts against Maduro's regime in recent months. Venezuela, possessing some of the world's largest proven oil reserves, has accused Washington of attempting to take its oil.
As news of the seizure spread, oil prices increased amid concerns over supply disruptions. Experts warn that the seizure could potentially threaten shippers and further disrupt Venezuela's oil exports.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed that the seizure was coordinated with the FBI, Department of Defense, Homeland Security, and the US Coast Guard. For multiple years, the oil tanker has been sanctioned by the United States due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations, she stated.
During the operation, military helicopters hovered over the ship, and troops descended onto the deck. The entire mission involved a Department of War vessel, two helicopters, and special forces personnel.
While addressing the media regarding the fate of the oil on the seized tanker, Trump indicated, We keep it, I guess... I assume we're going to keep the oil. The tanker, identified as the Skipper, was reportedly part of a network transporting Venezuelan oil exports.
Venezuela's response to the seizure included a strong statement denouncing it as a grave international crime, insisting that the country will not permit any foreign power to deprive it of its natural resources.
As the situation evolves, the US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, raising speculation about potential military actions against Venezuela. Since September, the US has reportedly conducted multiple military strikes against boats suspected of smuggling drugs in the region.
