US Forces Seize Venezuelan Oil Tanker Amid Rising Tensions
US forces seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, an operation announced by President Donald Trump along with the release of a video showing the seizure. The vessel, identified as the Skipper and sailing under the Guyana flag, is described by Attorney General Pam Bondi as a crude tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran, connected to an illicit oil-shipping network dubbed the 'dark fleet' and sanctioned by the US.
This operation was coordinated by multiple US agencies including the FBI, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and the US Coast Guard. It was launched from a Department of War vessel and involved two helicopters, ten Coast Guard personnel, ten Marines, and special forces. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was informed of the action. President Trump stated that the US would retain the seized oil.
The Venezuelan government condemned the seizure as a grave international crime and pledged not to relinquish its natural resources, with President Nicolás Maduro warning against foreign aggression. Washington has stepped up pressure on Venezuela, accusing it of narcotics trafficking to the US; Caracas counters that these actions are aimed at seizing its oil resources.
The seizure caused a slight rise in oil prices due to short-term supply concerns in Venezuela and potential disruption to exports. The US has also increased its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying thousands of troops and the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford. Since September, there have been at least 22 strikes on boats, resulting in around 80 deaths, reflecting heightened tensions in the region.
