Venezuela has formally accused the United States of “maritime piracy” after a Venezuelan oil shipment was seized in international waters, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
In a letter submitted to the United Nations Security Council, the government of President Nicolás Maduro said U.S. military forces boarded a private vessel on the high seas, detained its crew and confiscated a cargo of Venezuelan oil. Caracas said the shipment was part of a legitimate commercial transaction conducted in accordance with international law.
Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, in a letter addressed to Slovenia’s United Nations ambassador Samuel Žbogar, who currently chairs the Security Council, described the incident as part of a broader pattern of “coercion and aggression” by Washington, enforced through what he called unilateral and unlawful measures.
The letter cited Article 101 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which defines piracy, arguing that the seizure constituted a violation of international rules governing freedom of navigation and lawful maritime trade.
Venezuela demanded the immediate release of the detained crew, the return of the seized oil and an end to what it described as interference in its legitimate trade. It also called on the Security Council to condemn the incident, take steps to safeguard maritime navigation and clarify that no UN resolution authorises such actions against Venezuela or its oil exports.
The dispute comes amid heightened tensions between Caracas and Washington, as the United States continues to increase pressure on Venezuela, including through expanded military deployments in the Caribbean.
U.S. authorities have defended the seizure, saying vessels involved are part of an illicit shipping network used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran, which Washington alleges supports foreign terrorist organisations.
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The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May), drawing attention from defence observers and regional analysts.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military expansion and wider activities in the region.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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