The United States has seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela in a major escalation of tensions with Caracas, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday. The vessel — widely reported to be the sanctioned tanker Skipper — was intercepted by U.S. forces in the Caribbean as part of a joint operation involving the Coast Guard, FBI and Department of Homeland Security. Video released by U.S. authorities showed personnel fast-roping from helicopters onto the deck.
President Trump described the tanker as “very large” and suggested Washington may retain the oil aboard. The vessel was reportedly carrying millions of barrels of heavy crude, some bound for Cuba, and had been under U.S. sanctions for years due to alleged involvement in networks trafficking oil from Venezuela and Iran.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government condemned the action as a “blatant theft” and “act of international piracy,” accusing the United States of violating Venezuelan sovereignty and attempting to seize the nation’s natural resources. Caracas has vowed to defend its rights and consider raising the issue in international forums.
The seizure comes amid an elevated U.S. military presence in the Caribbean and is likely to further strain relations between Washington and Maduro’s government, raising concerns about broader regional instability.
