Overview
- President Trump confirmed the capture, called it the largest tanker ever seized, and signaled additional actions after authorizing CIA operations in Venezuela.
- Justice Secretary Pam Bondi and the FBI said the ship was part of an illicit network moving Venezuelan and Iranian oil, and released video showing armed personnel rappelling onto the deck.
- Anonymous officials told Reuters the mission was led by the U.S. Coast Guard with Navy support, while the ship’s name, flag, and precise location were not publicly disclosed.
- Caracas denounced the action as a brazen robbery and an act of international piracy, vowing to defend Venezuela’s sovereignty and resources.
- The seizure marks a sharper turn from prior strikes on suspected drug boats, with oil prices edging higher and outside analysts pointing to the previously sanctioned tanker Skipper as a possible match, which remains unconfirmed.