US forces seize a second oil tanker off Venezuela as Washington escalates sanctions enforcement. President Trump orders a total blockade of sanctioned vessels, prompting sharp condemnation from Caracas over alleged violations of international law and maritime freedom.
United States forces have seized a second oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas over sanctions, maritime enforcement, and control of energy assets. The latest seizure was confirmed on Saturday by US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, who said the operation was carried out in the early hours of December 20.
According to Noem, the US Coast Guard, with support from the Department of War, apprehended the oil tanker in a pre-dawn action after it was identified as having last docked in Venezuela. She announced the seizure in a post on social media platform X, highlighting continued enforcement of US sanctions targeting Venezuelan oil exports.
This incident follows an earlier seizure on December 10, when US military forces intercepted another tanker near Venezuelan waters. That move drew strong condemnation from the Venezuelan government, which described the action as “a blatant theft and an act of international piracy,” according to reports by Xinhua news agency.
US President Donald Trump has since announced a sweeping escalation, ordering what he described as a “total and complete blockade” of all US-sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela. He stated that the United States would continue seizing additional vessels in an effort to pressure Caracas into returning oil and other assets that Washington claims were unlawfully taken.
In a lengthy social media post, Trump said Venezuela was “completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the history of South America,” warning that the pressure would intensify unless US demands were met. He emphasized that the blockade would remain in place until Venezuela returned oil, land, and assets allegedly stolen from the United States.
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The Venezuelan government strongly rejected Trump’s declaration, calling it a reckless and serious threat that violates international law, free trade principles, and freedom of navigation. In an official statement, Caracas accused Washington of attempting to impose an irrational naval blockade with the objective of seizing Venezuela’s national wealth.
The unfolding situation marks a significant escalation in US-Venezuela relations, raising concerns over regional stability, maritime security, and the broader implications for global energy markets.
