US forces have seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump said, marking a sharp escalation in Washington's pressure campaign against 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.
Releasing a video of the seizure, Attorney General Pam Bondi described the vessel as a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. Caracas swiftly denounced the action, calling it an act of international piracy. Earlier, President Maduro declared that Venezuela would never become an oil colony.
The Trump administration accuses Venezuela of funnelling narcotics into the US and has intensified its efforts to pressure President Maduro in recent months. Venezuela - home to some of the world's largest proven oil reserves - has, in turn, accused Washington of seeking to take its oil.
Oil prices inched higher as news of the seizure stoked supply concerns. Analysts warn the move could disrupt Venezuela's oil exports.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the operation involved multiple agencies including the FBI, and was coordinated to target a vessel implicated in illicit oil activities. The operation saw military helicopters and special forces engage in the seizure.
Tensions have intensified with the U.S. bolstering its military presence in the area, suggesting a possible military escalation in the coming days.
The Venezuelan government described the seizure as a grave international crime, committed for the U.S.'s own economic interests, claiming it is a continuation of aggression towards its natural resources.
Amid rising tensions, Maduro has attempted to convey messages of peace, encouraging citizens in the U.S. to oppose military engagement with Venezuela. This complicated conflict underscores the geopolitical implications surrounding oil resources and national sovereignty.
