Previously, President Donald Trump accused Caracas of “stealing” Washington’s energy assets
The United States has seized another oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast. Just days after President Donald Trump announced a “total and complete” blockade of unilaterally sanctioned oil shipments, this action escalates the pressure on Caracas.
On Saturday, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the raid. She stated that the US Coast Guard, with the support of the Department of War, apprehended a tanker that had recently docked in Venezuela.
Noem also posted a video of the operation on X, claiming that the pre – dawn action targeted the “illicit movement of sanctioned oil” which is allegedly used to fund “narco – terrorism” in the region.
This move occurs as the US is building up its military near Venezuela and follows Trump’s order earlier this week to block all “sanctioned” oil tankers entering or leaving the country. According to CNN, unlike a tanker seized earlier this month, the vessel intercepted this weekend was not under US sanctions itself and was carrying Venezuelan crude headed for Asia.
The seizure happened in international waters and is the second such interdiction in recent weeks. Since the first interdiction, several vessels have reportedly stayed in Venezuelan waters instead of risking seizure, significantly reducing the country’s crude exports.
Russia and China have also expressed their views, urging restraint. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that escalating tensions could lead to “unforeseen developments,” while China’s Foreign Ministry said Beijing opposes “unilateralism and bullying” and supports Venezuela’s sovereign right to trade freely.
The US has not ruled out further action, with Trump recently saying that even on Venezuela remain on the table.