U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuelan Coast Amid Escalating Tensions

The United States has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, escalating tensions with President Nicolás Maduro's government. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, stating, "We've just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, a large tanker, very large, largest one ever seized, actually."

The vessel, identified as the Skipper, was intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard with support from the Navy. Attorney General Pam Bondi shared footage of the operation, showing U.S. forces boarding the tanker from a helicopter.

The Skipper, formerly known as the M/T Adisa, was previously sanctioned by the U.S. in 2022 for alleged involvement in illicit oil shipping networks linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah. The ship had departed Venezuela around December 2 with approximately 2 million barrels of heavy crude, about half of which was destined for a Cuban state-run importer.

Venezuela's government condemned the seizure, describing it as "a blatant theft and an act of international piracy." The incident marks a significant escalation in the U.S. campaign to pressure Maduro's administration, which has included military operations and sanctions targeting Venezuela's oil industry.

The seizure has also impacted global oil markets, with Brent crude prices rising to $62.21 per barrel and U.S. crude reaching $58.46 per barrel. Analysts suggest that continued geopolitical tensions could lead to increased volatility in crude prices.