US Seizes Oil Tanker Near Venezuela, Triggering Fierce Response from Caracas

Tanker Seized in Rising US–Venezuela Tensions

The United States has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against Nicolás Maduro’s government.

“We have just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela — a very large tanker, the largest one we have ever seized,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

US Releases Video of Operation

Shortly after the announcement, Attorney General Pam Bondi released a video showing the seizure. She stated that the tanker was being used to transport sanctioned crude oil linked to both Venezuela and Iran. Officials said the operation aimed to enforce existing sanctions and limit Maduro’s access to foreign revenue.

Caracas Condemns ‘International Piracy’

The Venezuelan government quickly condemned the action, describing it as an act of “international piracy.” Earlier, President Maduro insisted that Venezuela would never become an “oil colony,” accusing Washington of trying to undermine the country’s sovereignty.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE