US Seizes Large Oil Tanker Off Venezuela
The United States has seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump confirmed while speaking to the media. The operation was conducted by US federal agencies and maritime units in the Caribbean Sea as part of ongoing enforcement of sanctions against the Nicolás Maduro government.
Dramatic Footage Released by Authorities
US authorities released video showing armed personnel fast-roping from helicopters onto the tanker during the boarding operation. Officials identified the vessel as the Skipper, which was allegedly transporting oil in violation of American sanctions. A court-approved seizure warrant was executed during the operation.
Trump Says US Will Retain the Oil
President Trump described the seized vessel as “very large” and stated that the United States will keep control of the oil on board. He said the action was part of broader efforts to tighten pressure on the Venezuelan leadership and disrupt illegal oil shipments linked to sanctioned networks.
Venezuela Calls Seizure ‘Piracy’
The Venezuelan government condemned the move, calling it an act of “piracy” and accusing the US of violating international norms. Officials in Caracas said they would raise the matter at international bodies and defend their sovereign rights over their natural resources.
Global and Regional Impact
The tanker seizure comes at a tense moment in US-Venezuela relations. Analysts noted that oil prices rose slightly after news of the operation, reflecting concerns about supply disruptions and geopolitical risk. The incident adds to a series of recent maritime actions linked to sanctions enforcement in the region.
