Overview
- President Trump confirmed a Coast Guard–led operation, supported by the FBI, Homeland Security and the Pentagon, and officials released video of a helicopter fast‑rope boarding that secured the bridge.
- U.S. officials say the ship was part of an illicit network moving sanctioned Venezuelan and Iranian oil to support foreign terrorist organizations, though FBI and Justice Department accounts differ on its routes.
- The tanker is widely reported as the Skipper, formerly Adisa, a previously sanctioned vessel linked to a Russian operator; Guyana says the ship improperly used its flag.
- Key facts remain unresolved, including the ship’s flag, ownership and destination, with media reports pointing to roughly one million barrels loaded at Puerto José and a possible course toward Cuba.
- The seizure occurred during an expanded U.S. posture under Operation Southern Spear, reportedly using the USS Gerald R. Ford as a launch platform, and it has triggered new transparency demands from U.S. lawmakers.