Archive · 12 Dec 2025
US Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker
The US government, led by President Donald Trump, has seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.
This is the largest tanker ever seized by the US and is part of their efforts to put pressure on the Venezuelan government led by President Nicolás Maduro.
The US says the tanker was under sanctions and connected to drug trafficking.
The US has also increased its military presence in the area, including flying fighter jets over the Gulf of Venezuela.
The Venezuelan government likely sees this as an illegal act of aggression.
The White House has not yet commented on the situation, but Trump has hinted that more actions might follow.
There is also controversy over whether the US military illegally attacked a Venezuelan boat a second time to kill survivors from the first attack, which is considered illegal under international law.
The US Coast Guard seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, marking a significant escalation in the US campaign against President Nicolás Maduro.
President Donald Trump announced the seizure, describing it as the largest tanker ever seized by the US.
The operation was part of the US efforts to target vessels allegedly tied to narcoterrorism and drug trafficking networks connected to the Maduro government.
The US has increased its military presence in the region, including flying fighter jets over the Gulf of Venezuela.
The Venezuelan government likely views the seizure as an illegal act of aggression and a violation of its sovereignty.
- Who
- U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. officials, President Donald Trump
- What
- Seizure of a large oil tanker
- When
- December 10, 2019
- Where
- Off the coast of Venezuela
- Why
- Part of the US campaign against narcoterrorism and drug trafficking networks connected to the Maduro government
US Government
Venezuelan Government
Legitimacy of Seizure
US Government
The US government claims the seizure is justified as part of its campaign against narcoterrorism and drug trafficking networks connected to the Maduro government.
Venezuelan Government
The Venezuelan government likely views the seizure as an illegal act of aggression and violation of its sovereignty.
Escalation of Tensions
US Government
The US sees the seizure as a necessary escalation to increase pressure on the Maduro regime.
Venezuelan Government
The Venezuelan government likely sees the US actions as an unacceptable escalation and a threat to its national security.
- Location
- Off the coast of Venezuela
- Agency Involved
- U.S. Coast Guard
- Date of Seizure
- December 10, 2019
- Source of Information
- Reuters, Bloomberg News, NDTV, Associated Press, The Indian Express
- Government Involved
- U.S. Administration under President Donald Trump
- Tanker Details
- Largest tanker ever seized by the US, under US sanctions
- Military Activity
- Increased US military presence in Latin America, including fighter jets over the Gulf of Venezuela
- Charges Against Maduro
- US charges of narcoterrorism
Sources
US Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuela Coast
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