By Zoila Palma: The United States has seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, intensifying tensions with Nicolás Maduro’s government and escalating Washington’s campaign against sanctioned oil networks, BBC reports.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, describing the vessel—identified as the Skipper—as one of the largest tankers ever seized. US officials say the ship had long been sanctioned for allegedly transporting illicit oil connected to groups such as Hezbollah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force.
Dramatic footage released by US authorities showed helicopters launching from the USS Gerald Ford and armed personnel boarding the vessel in a coordinated operation involving the FBI, Coast Guard, and Department of Defense.
Venezuela denounced the move as “international piracy,” accusing Washington of attempting to steal the country’s natural resources.
Senior officials, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, likened the United States to “high seas criminals,” while President Maduro told supporters Venezuela would never become an “oil colony.”
The tanker’s complex travel history and suspected use of “spoofing” technology to mask its movements added further controversy, with Guyana later confirming the vessel had been falsely flying its flag. The seizure has fueled speculation about broader US military intentions amid a recent buildup of American forces in the Caribbean.
The operation has already sent ripples through global energy markets, with Brent crude prices inching upward on renewed supply concerns.
Analysts warn that the tanker seizure may deter shippers and further disrupt Venezuela’s strained oil sector.
The post International News: US seizes Venezuelan oil tanker as Caracas condemns ‘Act of piracy’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The United States has seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, intensifying tensions with Nicolás Maduro’s government and escalating Washington’s campaign against sanctioned oil networks, BBC reports. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, describing the vessel—identified as the Skipper—as one of the largest tankers ever seized. US officials
The post International News: US seizes Venezuelan oil tanker as Caracas condemns ‘Act of piracy’ appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
