US Forces Seize Venezuelan Oil Tanker Amid Rising Tensions with Maduro's Government
US forces seized a crude oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela as part of a sustained four-month pressure campaign against Nicolás Maduro's government during Donald Trump's administration. Footage released by Pam Bondi showed US forces deploying from a helicopter onto the tanker, with involvement from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the US Coast Guard, supported by the Department of Defense.
The seizure was executed under a warrant targeting a vessel used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. The Venezuelan government did not offer an immediate response, while Maduro called on his supporters at a Caracas rally to stand as warriors and prepare to resist the North American empire if necessary.
Analysts cited in the report indicated that the immediate goal of this seizure was unclear. One adviser speculated it might be intended to pressure Maduro toward accepting a recall referendum, potentially in 2027, while also signaling the possibility of more severe measures such as a blockade.
This event is situated within the broader context of Trump-era US political actions and tensions, noted in coverage from December 10–11, 2025.
