US forces have seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump said, marking a sharp escalation in Washington's pressure campaign against Nicolás Maduro's government. 'We have just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela - a large tanker, very large, the largest one ever seized actually,' Trump told reporters at the White House. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the tanker as a 'crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran'. Caracas swiftly denounced the action, calling it an act of 'international piracy'. Earlier, President Maduro declared that Venezuela would never become an an 'oil colony'.
The Trump administration accuses Venezuela of funnelling narcotics into the US and has intensified its efforts to pressure President Maduro in recent months. Venezuela - home to some of the world's largest proven oil reserves - has accused Washington of seeking to take its oil.
Oil prices inched higher as news of the seizure stoked short-term supply concerns. Analysts warn the move could threaten shippers and disrupt Venezuela's oil exports.
As the situation escalates, US Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated that the local operation involved multiple federal agencies, including the FBI and Coast Guard, to coordinate the seizure. This operation included helicopters, troops, and special forces.
The Venezuelan government strongly condemned the seizure, stating, 'Venezuela will not allow any foreign power to attempt to deprive the Venezuelan people of what belongs to them by historical and constitutional right.' In response to the rising tensions, Maduro even sang a modified version of the hit song 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' during a rally, urging peace amidst war drumbeats.
As the U.S. military presence increases in the Caribbean, concerns mount over the potential for military action against Venezuela amidst ongoing border tensions and smuggling operations.
The Trump administration accuses Venezuela of funnelling narcotics into the US and has intensified its efforts to pressure President Maduro in recent months. Venezuela - home to some of the world's largest proven oil reserves - has accused Washington of seeking to take its oil.
Oil prices inched higher as news of the seizure stoked short-term supply concerns. Analysts warn the move could threaten shippers and disrupt Venezuela's oil exports.
As the situation escalates, US Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated that the local operation involved multiple federal agencies, including the FBI and Coast Guard, to coordinate the seizure. This operation included helicopters, troops, and special forces.
The Venezuelan government strongly condemned the seizure, stating, 'Venezuela will not allow any foreign power to attempt to deprive the Venezuelan people of what belongs to them by historical and constitutional right.' In response to the rising tensions, Maduro even sang a modified version of the hit song 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' during a rally, urging peace amidst war drumbeats.
As the U.S. military presence increases in the Caribbean, concerns mount over the potential for military action against Venezuela amidst ongoing border tensions and smuggling operations.
