Second Venezuelan Oil Tanker Seized by U.S. Forces as Part of Total Blockade
On December 20, 2025, U.S. forces seized a second Venezuelan oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. The operation was conducted by the Coast Guard Maritime Special Reaction Team (MSRT) with support from the U.S. Navy. The tanker had last docked in Venezuela prior to the interdiction, which occurred in the pre-dawn hours.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the seizure and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to targeting illicit sanctioned oil shipments that fund narco-terrorism. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the tanker was sanctioned due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations. The investigation is ongoing and includes cooperation with Homeland Security.
This action follows the earlier seizure of a first tanker earlier in the week, an event marked by video footage released by the Department of Justice showing agents rappelling onto the vessel. Both seizures are part of President Trump's directive to implement a total blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.
