🇺🇸 US Seizes Giant Oil Tanker Near Venezuela
The United States has seized a massive oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast, escalating tensions with President Nicolás Maduro’s government.
President Donald Trump announced the operation, describing the ship as “the largest tanker ever seized.”
🔥 US Seizure of Venezuela Oil Tanker Sparks Global Tensions – Caracas Calls It “High-Seas Piracy”
US Attorney General Pam Bondi released footage of troops rappelling from helicopters onto the vessel, which officials say transported sanctioned oil involving Venezuela and Iran.
Caracas immediately denounced the move, calling it “international piracy.”
🇻🇪 Venezuela Accuses US of Trying to Steal Its Resources
Venezuela—home to one of the world’s largest oil reserves—accused Washington of attempting to destabilize the country and take control of its energy wealth.
President Maduro earlier insisted Venezuela would “never become an oil colony.”
The Trump administration, however, claims the country is tied to drug trafficking and supports illicit oil networks.
⛽ Global Oil Market Reacts
Brent crude prices rose slightly after the seizure, with analysts warning it could further disrupt Venezuela’s already struggling oil exports.
Security experts say this move may encourage other tankers to avoid Venezuelan routes due to increased risk.
🛑 US Says Tanker Supported Terror Groups
According to the US Justice Department, the tanker—identified as The Skipper—has long been under sanctions for participating in oil schemes that allegedly funded groups including Hezbollah and Iran’s Quds Force.
BBC Verify confirmed the vessel's identity, tracing its routes across Iran, Iraq, and the UAE before reaching waters near Guyana.
Guyana authorities later clarified the ship was falsely flying its national flag.
🛥 Inside the Dramatic Military Operation
The high-profile seizure involved:
- 2 military helicopters
- 10 US Coast Guard personnel
- 10 US Marines
- Special forces operatives
- Aircraft deployed from the USS Gerald Ford—the world’s largest aircraft carrier
A senior official hinted that more such operations may follow.
When asked what would happen to the seized oil, Trump responded:
“We keep it, I guess.”
🌍 Venezuela Fires Back With Harsh Words
Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello accused the US of behaving like “murderers, thieves, and pirates.”
He even referenced Pirates of the Caribbean, saying the US has sparked wars globally through similar actions.
At a rally, Maduro attempted to calm anti-war Americans by singing “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” saying he prefers peace over conflict.
⚔️ US Military Build-Up Near Venezuela Raises Fears
Recent US military deployments in the Caribbean—including thousands of troops and the USS Gerald Ford—have led to speculation about possible future action.
Since September, the US has carried out at least 22 strikes on vessels allegedly smuggling narcotics. Over 80 people have died in the operations.
❓ What do you think?
Is this a justified security operation, or a dangerous step toward escalating conflict between the US and Venezuela?