US forces have seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump confirmed, representing a marked escalation in the pressure Washington is applying to Nicolás Maduro's government. We have just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela - a large tanker, very large, the largest one ever seized actually, Trump told reporters at the White House.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, releasing a video of the operation, described the vessel as a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. Caracas swiftly denounced the action, labeling it an act of international piracy and reaffirming that Venezuela would never become an oil colony.
The Trump administration has accused Venezuela of funneling narcotics into the US and has intensified efforts against Maduro's regime in recent months. In response, Venezuelan authorities have accused the US of trying to claim their oil reserves.
Following the seizure, oil prices edged higher due to concerns over short-term supply disruptions. In recent communications, officials have indicated that the US military's involvement in the Caribbean Sea is expanding, inflating the risk of further actions against Venezuela's oil exports.
The capture was described as a coordinated effort involving various US agencies, showcasing a significant military presence in the region. Trump commented, We keep it, I guess... I assume we're going to keep the oil. This strategy has raised speculation about potential future actions involving more military initiatives.
Venezuela's government reiterated its stance that it would not accept foreign aggression regarding its natural resources, asserting that the ongoing hostilities are primarily aimed at their oil production capabilities. The tensions have been exacerbated by increased US military deployments, raising concerns of potential military conflict in the region.
