On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced that the United States had seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move that comes amidst escalating tensions with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The Associated Press (AP) reported that Trump described the operation as “the largest oil tanker ever captured,” highlighting that it was a mission spearheaded by the U.S. Coast Guard with support from the Navy.
While Trump did not provide specific details about the ship or the operation, he hinted that “other things are happening” and promised to discuss the matter further at a later time.
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to AP that the seizure is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to intensify pressure on Maduro, who faces charges of narcoterrorism in the United States.
The announcement followed a day after the U.S. military conducted fighter jet flights over the Gulf of Venezuela, marking one of the closest maneuvers to the country's airspace since the pressure campaign against the Venezuelan regime began.
In recent months, the United States has maintained an unusual military presence in the Caribbean, engaging in operations against suspected drug smuggling vessels and implementing enhanced surveillance policies over the region.
Relations between Washington and Caracas are at one of their most strained points in years.
In November, a Russian oil tanker, sanctioned by the United Kingdom and the European Union, suddenly halted its journey to Venezuela after a U.S. warship obstructed its path in the Caribbean Sea.
Additionally, the recent suspension of international flights to Venezuela, which the global airline association has labeled a “delicate” situation, has left the country increasingly isolated from the world.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration remains steadfast in its strategy of applying diplomatic, economic, and military pressure on Maduro, asserting that its goal is to restore democratic stability and security in the hemisphere.
Key Questions on U.S. Seizure of Venezuelan Oil Tanker
Why did the United States seize the oil tanker near Venezuela?
The seizure is part of the U.S. government's efforts to increase pressure on Nicolás Maduro's regime, which is accused of narcoterrorism in the United States.
What role did the U.S. military play in the operation?
The operation was led by the U.S. Coast Guard with support from the Navy, highlighting the military's involvement in enforcing pressure on Venezuela.
How has Venezuela responded to U.S. military actions?
The Venezuelan government has not publicly responded to this specific incident, but relations between the two countries remain critically tense.