Overview
- President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, and Attorney General Pam Bondi said the FBI, Homeland Security and Coast Guard executed the warrant with military support, releasing video of a helicopter boarding.
- Maritime trackers identified the vessel as the VLCC Skipper, formerly Adisa, which has been under U.S. sanctions for alleged involvement in Iranian and Venezuelan oil networks.
- Venezuela condemned the action as “blatant theft” and “international piracy,” while Guyana’s maritime authority said the ship was falsely flying its flag.
- Oil futures rose after the seizure, and analysts said the move could deter shippers from handling Venezuelan crude even as Chevron reported its operations remain normal.
- Members of Congress from both parties questioned the legal basis and warned of escalation following months of U.S. maritime strikes and a large regional military buildup.