The Trump administration announced it has seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, escalating tensions between the two nations.
President Donald Trump described the operation as the largest tanker seizure in U.S. history, stating that more details will follow.
According to the administration, the U.S. Coast Guard led the operation on Wednesday, with support from the Department of Defense, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security.
A video released by officials shows U.S. personnel rappelling onto the vessel from helicopters.
Trump also stated, “I assume we’re going to keep the oil,” though he did not disclose the tanker’s owner.
Caracas strongly condemned the seizure, calling it a “blatant theft” and an “act of international piracy.”
The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry said it would defend its sovereignty, natural resources, and national dignity, and denounce the U.S. before international bodies.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has mobilized military forces along the coast, warning that the country would resist any potential U.S. attack.
Escalating tensions in the Caribbean
The tanker operation comes amid ongoing U.S. threats toward Venezuela.
Trump has previously deployed military assets, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford, to the southern Caribbean Sea and conducted strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats.
The U.S. claims Venezuela is a hub for illicit shipping supporting foreign terrorist organizations.
Economic and political implications
Oil exports are a crucial revenue source for Venezuela, which exported over 900,000 barrels per day last month.
The tanker seizure pushed oil futures higher, highlighting the potential economic impact.
The operation also adds strain to Trump’s ongoing campaign of “maximum pressure” on Venezuela, which includes sanctions, airspace restrictions, and military threats.
The seizure has drawn mixed reactions.
A November poll by The Economist/YouGov found only 17% of U.S. adults support military action to overthrow Venezuela’s government, while 45% oppose it.
Similarly, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed 48% oppose the targeting of vessels allegedly linked to Venezuela, with 36% opposed to the broader use of force.
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