The U.S. seized a Venezuelan oil cargo, raising tensions, but global supply remains unaffected as barrels were already in transit
Washington
The United States seized a sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, escalating tensions with Caracas and driving oil prices higher. President Donald Trump described the vessel as “the largest ever” and confirmed the U.S. would retain the oil onboard.
The seizure targets Venezuela’s main revenue source and comes amid ongoing sanctions on the country’s oil industry, first imposed in 2019. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro condemned the action as “blatant theft” and “international piracy” and vowed to take the matter to global authorities. Iran also criticized the move, calling it a serious breach of international law.
U.S. authorities, including the FBI, Homeland Security, and Coast Guard, carried out the operation with military support. A short video released by Attorney General Pam Bondi showed helicopters approaching the tanker and armed personnel rappelling onto it. Reports suggest the vessel, a very large crude carrier (VLCC) named Skipper, was transporting nearly 1.8 million barrels of Venezuela’s heavy crude, partly transferred to another ship bound for Cuba. Satellite data indicates the tanker falsely flew Guyana’s flag.
The seizure is the first known U.S. action against a Venezuelan oil cargo since Trump ordered a military buildup in the region. Analysts said while the move raises geopolitical tensions and concerns about oil supply, it does not immediately alter global availability, as the barrels were already in transit.
Venezuela exported over 900,000 barrels per day last month and continues to sell heavily discounted crude to China. Meanwhile, Chevron reported its operations in Venezuela remain normal, with shipments to the U.S. even increasing slightly.
The seizure comes as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on Maduro, following a series of military strikes on suspected drug vessels in the region. Critics have raised legal and ethical concerns over these actions.
