United States Forces Seize Venezuelan Oil Tanker in Caribbean Waters
The United States has conducted a significant maritime operation, seizing a large oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday. The operation represents a substantial escalation in tensions between Washington and the Maduro administration.
Presidential Announcement
Speaking to reporters at the White House, President Trump confirmed the seizure of what he described as "a large, very large oil tanker, the largest ever seized, in fact." The President emphasized that the vessel was "seized for a very good reason," though he declined to provide immediate details, stating he would address the matter more comprehensively at a later time.
Venezuelan Government Response
The Venezuelan government issued a swift condemnation of the action through its foreign ministry. Officials characterized the seizure as "blatant theft and an act of international piracy," suggesting the operation reveals Washington's true motivations regarding Venezuelan resources.
The ministry's statement declared: "Under these circumstances, the true reasons for the prolonged aggression against Venezuela have finally been revealed. It has always been about our natural resources, our oil, our energy and the resources that belong exclusively to the Venezuelan people."
Operation Details
According to US officials, the Coast Guard led the operation with Navy support. US Attorney General Pam Bondi released footage showing American forces conducting a helicopter insertion onto the vessel, with personnel securing the ship's superstructure.
The seized tanker, identified as the "Skipper," reportedly departed Venezuela around December 2nd carrying approximately 2 million barrels of heavy crude oil. Documents from Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA indicate roughly half the cargo belonged to a Cuban state-run oil importer.
Sanctions Background
The vessel, previously known as the M/T Adisa, was sanctioned by the United States in 2022. American authorities alleged the tanker belonged to a network of shadow vessels smuggling crude oil for Iran's Revolutionary Guard and Lebanon's Hezbollah organization. The US Treasury Department indicated the network operated under a Switzerland-based Ukrainian oil trader.
Regional Military Presence
This seizure occurs amid heightened American military activity in the Caribbean region. On Tuesday, US fighter jets conducted flights over the Gulf of Venezuela, marking the closest approach to Venezuelan airspace since the current pressure campaign began.
The United States has deployed what officials describe as the largest regional military presence in decades, conducting operations against alleged drug trafficking vessels across Caribbean and Pacific waters.
Despite ongoing tensions, both leaders engaged in telephone discussions last month, which President Maduro characterized as a potential foundation for "respectful dialogue." However, President Trump has previously indicated that ground operations remain under consideration, though specific details regarding scope and location have not been disclosed.