Overview
- Justice Department video shows armed personnel fast‑roping from a helicopter to secure the bridge, with the Coast Guard leading and the FBI, Homeland Security and Pentagon supporting.
- Officials allege the vessel was part of an illicit network moving sanctioned Venezuelan and Iranian crude to benefit foreign terrorist organizations.
- Media and ship‑tracking analysts identify the tanker as the Skipper, formerly Adisa, previously under U.S. sanctions, while its flag and destination remain unconfirmed.
- Caracas condemns the action as theft and “international piracy” and says it will take the case to international bodies.
- President Trump hints at further operations as analysts warn the move could deter shippers and tighten Venezuela’s oil exports, with oil prices ticking higher on the news.