US forces intercepted an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast in an operation coordinated by several federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, the Department of Defense, and the Coast Guard. President Donald Trump confirmed the action, describing the vessel as “the largest tanker ever seized.” Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the vessel was transporting sanctioned oil intended to finance entities considered terrorist organisations.
The Venezuelan government reacted immediately. Caracas labelled the seizure an “act of international piracy” and accused the United States of attempting to appropriate its resources. President Nicolás Maduro said the country would never become an “oil colony”, and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello accused Washington of “theft and aggression”.
Military operation in the Caribbean Sea
The intervention involved two helicopters, ten Coast Guard members, ten Marines and special forces. The helicopters were deployed from the USS Gerald Ford, currently stationed in the Caribbean Sea. Images released show armed troops descending by rope onto the ship. According to US authorities, the vessel had been transmitting false location data, a “spoofing” technique used to obscure its movements.
The vessel, identified as the Skipper, is registered under the flag of the Marshall Islands, although it was recently seen sailing under the Guyanese flag, an assertion disputed by Georgetown authorities. Nigerian-based Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd is listed as the operational manager, while its registered owner is Marshall Islands-based Triton Navigation Corp.
Impact on the oil market and regional tensions
According to maritime tracking data, the Skipper made port calls in Iran, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates between June and July. Its last known position was off the coast of Guyana at the end of October, with limited movement recorded since. However, this information remains uncertain due to potential signal manipulation.
The tanker’s seizure comes amid growing pressure on Venezuela’s oil exports. Brent crude rose slightly as traders anticipated possible disruptions in supply. Analysts suggest the incident could deter other shipping companies from entering the region, adding strain to Venezuela’s already sanctioned oil sector.
Military build-up and confrontational climate
The United States has recently increased its military presence in the region, deploying thousands of troops and warships. Since September, at least 22 strikes have targeted boats suspected of drug trafficking, resulting in the deaths of at least 80 people. The situation has raised concerns over a potential escalation, as Caracas continues to denounce foreign interference.
During a public rally, Nicolás Maduro attempted to appeal to the American public by singing “Don’t worry, be happy,” calling for peace and rejecting the idea of war. However, it was unclear whether he had been informed of the Skipper’s seizure before his appearance.
