US Takes Bold Action Against Venezuelan Oil Smuggling

Sun Dec 14 2025 05:44:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The U.S. ramps up pressure on Venezuela as it imposes new sanctions and seizes an oil tanker.

The United States has launched a significant campaign against Venezuela, imposing sanctions on six ships connected to oil smuggling. Following the seizure of the tanker 'Skipper,' which the U.S. accused of illicit shipping, President Maduro condemned the action as piracy. The U.S. claims its actions aim to stop drug trafficking associated with the Venezuelan regime. This escalation highlights the continuing tensions between Washington and Caracas, with Maduro pledging to resist U.S. intervention.

The US has imposed fresh sanctions on six more ships said to be carrying Venezuelan oil, a day after seizing a tanker off the country's coast.

Sanctions have also been placed on some of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's relatives and businesses associated with what Washington calls his illegitimate regime. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters the seized vessel, called the Skipper, had been involved in illicit oil shipping and would be taken to an American port.

Caracas has described it as an act of international piracy. This marks a sharp escalation in the US pressure campaign against Maduro, which has seen dozens killed in strikes on boats alleged to have been carrying drugs from Venezuela. In recent months American warships have been moving into the region.

The Trump administration has accused Venezuela of funneling narcotics into the US. Venezuela, which has some of the world's largest oil reserves, has accused Washington of seeking to steal its resources. Maduro vowed that Venezuela would never become an oil colony.

However, the White House press secretary emphasized the US's commitment to halting illegal drug flows and enforcing sanctions. She stated, We're not going to stand by and watch sanctioned vessels sail the seas with black market oil, the proceeds of which will fuel narco-terrorism of rogue and illegitimate regimes around the world.

On Wednesday, the White House released dramatic video footage of the raid showing camouflaged soldiers approaching the Skipper from a helicopter, weapons drawn. The Venezuelan government strongly denounced the seizure, with Maduro claiming the US kidnapped the crew and stole the ship.

He added, They have ushered in a new era, the era of criminal naval piracy in the Caribbean. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello condemned US actions, calling them a prelude to wars over oil.

In addition, the US treasury department had sanctioned Skipper in 2022 for alleged involvement in oil smuggling that generated revenue for terrorist groups.