This past Saturday (Dec. 20, 2025), Venezuela’s government went on the offensive, accusing U.S. forces of “piracy” after seizing a private oil tanker carrying Venezuelan crude. The move, described in Caracas as a “theft and kidnapping,” also left the vessel’s crew mysteriously missing. ⚓️🛢️
In an official statement, Venezuelan authorities slammed the operation as a serious breach of international law, pointing to the UN Charter and other multilateral conventions that guarantee freedom of navigation and maritime safety. It’s high-stakes drama worthy of a Netflix thriller! 🌊📜
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed the seizure, saying U.S. forces stopped the tanker off Venezuela’s coast “earlier in the day.” According to Noem, this action is part of a larger effort to enforce U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil. 🇻🇪🚨🇺🇸
It’s the second tanker seizure near Venezuela in just a few weeks, following a noticeable build-up of U.S. military assets in the region. The escalating standoff comes on the heels of a blockade ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at restricting all U.S.-sanctioned oil tankers from entering or leaving Venezuelan ports. 📈🛑
With tensions rising and the crew’s fate still unknown, international eyes are on Caracas and Washington. Will this spark fresh talks, legal battles, or further showdowns at sea? Stay tuned as we follow every twist and turn in this high-stakes maritime drama. 🚢🌐
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
