US Seizes Tanker Near Venezuela for Shipping Sanctioned Oil

The United States has seized a tanker near Venezuela’s coast suspected of transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran, US Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed.

President Donald Trump described the vessel as the largest tanker ever captured, noting that "other operations are ongoing" in connection with the seizure.

Bondi detailed that the operation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Coast Guard, with support from the Department of Defense. She stated the tanker had been sanctioned for years due to its role in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organisations.

"This seizure, completed off the coast of Venezuela, was conducted safely and securely. Our investigation continues alongside the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the transport of sanctioned oil," Bondi added.

Venezuela condemned the US action as "international piracy," urging the global community to denounce the move. The country’s foreign ministry called the seizure a "blatant theft" and an unprecedented act of aggression, describing it as part of a long-term strategy to exploit Venezuela’s natural resources.

The Venezuelan government confirmed it will appeal to international institutions to challenge the seizure, pledging to defend its sovereignty, natural resources, and national dignity.