Venezuela has condemned the U.S. seizure of an oil tanker off its coast, describing the action as "blatant theft" and "international piracy." The move marks a sharp escalation in Washington-Caracas tensions, as Venezuelan officials vow to contest the seizure through international bodies.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation on Wednesday, calling it the "largest one ever seized."
British maritime risk management group Vanguard said the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Skipper was believed to have been seized off Venezuela early on Wednesday.
However, Trump administration officials did not name the vessel or disclose its location at the time of the seizure.
The vessel, which had been sanctioned by the U.S. for transporting oil linked to both Venezuela and Iran, was targeted under a federal seizure warrant. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi explained that the vessel was involved in what Washington calls an "illicit, terrorism-linked shipping network."
Bondi posted on X that the FBI, Homeland Security and Coast Guard, along with support from the U.S. military, carried out a seizure warrant for a crude tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.
A 45-second video posted by Bondi showed two helicopters approaching a vessel and armed individuals in camouflage rappelling onto it.
Iran's embassy in Caracas condemned the action as a "grave violation of international laws and norms" in a post on X on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters, President Trump said, "As you probably know, we've just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela. Large tanker, very large, largest one ever seized actually."
He added that "other things are happening," without providing further details.
The Skipper left Venezuela's main oil port of Jose between 4 and 5 December after loading some 1.8 million barrels of Venezuela's Merey heavy crude. It transferred about 200,000 barrels near Curacao to the Panama-flagged Neptune 6 bound for Cuba before the seizure, according to satellite information analysed by TankerTrackers.com and internal data from Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA.
When asked about the fate of the oil on the ship, Trump responded, "Well, we keep it. I guess."
Ongoing pressure
The incident is expected to further strain relations between the two countries, particularly as it comes amid Venezuela's ongoing struggles under U.S. sanctions.
In recent months, the U.S. has carried out more than 20 strikes on vessels it claims are involved in drug smuggling, with deadly results. These operations have raised legal and human rights concerns, with many questioning the legality of the strikes.
In addition, U.S. military aircraft have been stationed in Puerto Rico, where surveillance and transport units are supporting the broader regional buildup. The move is part of what U.S. officials describe as “enhanced readiness” in the Caribbean basin.
These developments come at a time when Venezuela’s oil exports are reaching some of their highest levels of the year, despite facing intense U.S. sanctions and growing competition from other sanctioned oil producers.
The seizure of the tanker and the increased U.S. military presence signal Washington’s continued determination to apply pressure on Maduro’s government and limit Venezuela’s oil exports. This latest escalation highlights the deepening geopolitical divide between the two nations, with Venezuela vowing to resist further U.S. actions.
The United States and Iran have reached a deal to end their war, U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on ...
The U.S. and Iran say they have reached a deal to end their conflict, with an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the lift...
Senior officials from Azerbaijan and Armenia held a working meeting in Dilijan, Armenia, on 14 June to discuss issues related to the peace agenda betw...
Tajikistan has strengthened its position as one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and D...
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 to close out the series 4-1 and claim their first NBA championship since 1973, sparking celeb...
The United States and Iran have reached a deal to end their war, U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on Sunday.
Senior officials from Azerbaijan and Armenia held a working meeting in Dilijan, Armenia, on 14 June to discuss issues related to the peace agenda between the two countries.
Tajikistan has strengthened its position as one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the trend is supported by investment activity, industrial expansion and large-scale infrastructure projects.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Georgia to implement reforms to tackle youth unemployment. Nearly 30 per cent of people aged 15-24 are without a job in the country, according to World Bank data.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
Armenia has every right to choose Europe. But Europe’s support for Armenia’s direction should not become automatic approval of its political process.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Japan’s birth rate and fertility levels have fallen to their lowest levels on record, highlighting the country’s worsening demographic crisis as fewer people marry and have children.
The global race to develop quantum computing is accelerating, with governments and technology firms investing heavily in what is expected to become a major new computing era.
The United States and Iran have reached a deal to end their war, U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on Sunday.
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 to close out the series 4-1 and claim their first NBA championship since 1973, sparking celebrations across New York City.
In the runup to the G7 summit, hosted by France in Évian-les-Bains on Monday, 15 June, China has addressed global economic balances in a videoconference hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. It is a rarity for Beijing to engage directly with the group.
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
Romania's centrist President Nicușor Dan on Sunday designated Adrian Veștea, a member of the liberal party, as prime minister, after independent candidate Eugen Tomac withdrew.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment