The United States seized a massive oil tanker near Venezuela in a dramatic operation that intensified an already tense standoff. President Donald Trump called the vessel “the largest tanker we have ever taken.” His remarks signaled a sharp escalation in Washington’s pressure on President Nicolás Maduro.
Attorney General Pam Bondi released video of the raid. It showed US forces dropping from helicopters onto the ship. Bondi said the tanker carried sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. She also claimed the vessel supported foreign terrorist networks for years.
Caracas Condemns the Seizure and Accuses Washington of Piracy
Venezuelan officials condemned the action within hours. They described it as “international piracy” and warned of serious consequences.
Diosdado Cabello attacked the United States in a fiery statement. He compared US forces to “buccaneers” and mocked their tactics. He said the Americans acted like villains, not like the heroic Jack Sparrow from the movies.
President Maduro addressed supporters at a rally earlier that day. He urged both countries to avoid war. He sang part of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” during his message. It remains unclear whether he knew about the tanker seizure at that moment.
A Coordinated US Military Operation in the Caribbean
Multiple US agencies joined the operation. The FBI, the Pentagon, Homeland Security, and the Coast Guard worked together.
A senior military official told CBS that the helicopters launched from the USS Gerald Ford. The carrier now sits close to Venezuela. The raid used two helicopters, 10 Marines, 10 Coast Guard members, and special forces.
Reporters asked Trump what the US planned to do with the oil. He replied, “We keep it, I guess.” His comment raised new questions about the operation’s legal basis.
The Tanker: A Ship Long Tied to Sanctions and Suspicion
Maritime risk analysts identified the vessel as the Skipper. They say the ship often spoofed its GPS location to hide movements.
The US sanctioned the Skipper in 2022 for its role in oil smuggling. Officials claim the operation generated money for Hezbollah and Iran’s Quds Force.
BBC Verify used MarineTraffic to examine the ship’s track. The tanker sailed under a false Guyana flag, according to Guyanese authorities. Records show visits to Iran, Iraq, and the UAE earlier this year. Its later movements remain uncertain because of possible location spoofing.
Documents list Thomarose Global Ventures in Nigeria as the operator. Triton Navigation Corp in the Marshall Islands appears as the registered owner.
Military Pressure Grows as US Expands Regional Presence
The raid came during a major US buildup in the Caribbean. Thousands of troops now operate near Venezuelan waters. The USS Gerald Ford sits within striking range of the coast.
The US has also targeted suspected drug-smuggling boats since September. These strikes killed at least 80 people. The government insists the operations fight narcotics networks across the region.
Oil markets reacted within minutes of the tanker seizure. Brent crude prices rose as traders anticipated supply disruptions.
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