On Wednesday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi shared a video on social media platform X, depicting the moment American agencies seized an oil tanker near Venezuela's coastline. This operation has intensified the already growing tensions between Washington and Nicolás Maduro's government.
The footage shows a coordinated action by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Coast Guard, and Department of Defense personnel, who boarded the vessel under a federal seizure order.
Bondi's post indicated that the ship had long been under sanctions for its role in an illicit oil transport network involving Venezuela and Iran, aimed at funding foreign terrorist organizations identified by Washington.
The official stated that the operation was conducted in a "safe and controlled" manner, with ongoing investigations to prevent the movement of sanctioned crude oil.
Part of a Broader Strategic Initiative
This oil tanker seizure is not an isolated event. For weeks, the United States has maintained an unusual military presence in the Caribbean, including naval operations, aerial patrols, vessel interceptions, and enhanced maritime surveillance. These actions coincide with a political and legal campaign against Maduro, whom the Department of Justice accuses of narcoterrorism.
The official statement emphasized that the investigation continues alongside the Department of Homeland Security to thwart the transport of sanctioned oil. Analysts suggest the aim is to restrict the Venezuelan regime's funding sources and disrupt its energy alliances with Iran and Russia.
Trump Hints at Further Developments
Earlier, President Donald Trump publicly announced the seizure, describing it as "the largest oil tanker ever captured" by U.S. forces.
He highlighted that the operation was led by the Coast Guard with Navy support, but refrained from providing more details. However, he hinted that "other things are happening" concerning Venezuela, referring to undisclosed operations, according to the AP agency.
Regional Incidents Indicating Escalation
This operation takes place amidst a backdrop of previous incidents that demonstrate escalation:
In November, a Russian tanker sanctioned by the UK and the European Union abruptly altered its course towards Venezuela when a U.S. warship intercepted its path in the Caribbean.
Several international airlines have suspended flights to Venezuela, a situation the IATA has described as "delicate," further deepening the country's isolation.
The United States has reported numerous operations against vessels "suspected of illicit trafficking," bolstering its maritime presence under the guise of hemispheric security.
A Militarized Caribbean Raises Concerns
The tanker operation heightens regional worries about accelerating tensions in the Caribbean.
Washington maintains that its actions aim to "restore democratic stability and security in the hemisphere," while Maduro's government labels them as aggressions intended to justify intervention.
The reality is that, amid vessel seizures, military flyovers, energy sanctions, and naval deployments, the region is experiencing one of its tensest periods in recent years.
Understanding U.S. Actions in the Caribbean
Why did the U.S. seize the oil tanker near Venezuela?
The U.S. seized the tanker due to its involvement in an illicit oil transport network linked to Venezuela and Iran, aimed at funding foreign terrorist groups identified by Washington.
What is the broader strategy behind the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean?
The broader strategy involves restricting the Venezuelan regime's funding sources and disrupting its energy alliances, while maintaining regional security and stability.
How has the Venezuelan government responded to U.S. actions?
The Venezuelan government has criticized U.S. actions as aggressive, viewing them as attempts to justify potential intervention.