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U.S. Seizes Giant Oil Tanker Off Venezuela in Coast Guard–Led Operation

U.S. officials say the raid enforced sanctions on an illicit oil network tied to Venezuela and Iran.

Overview

  • Boarding video released by Attorney General Pam Bondi shows troops rappelling from a helicopter to secure the vessel during the seizure.
  • Authorities allege the tanker was used to move sanctioned crude to support foreign terrorist organizations, executing a U.S. seizure warrant at sea.
  • Venezuela condemns the takeover as theft and “international piracy” and says it will denounce the incident before international bodies.
  • Key details remain unclear, with reports identifying the ship as the Skipper, formerly Adisa, while officials have not confirmed its flag, route or exact location.
  • President Trump signals more actions to come and says CIA operations in Venezuela are authorized, following months of interdictions and a regional military buildup.