U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Tanker Near Venezuela, Steps Up Pressure on Maduro

Overview

• U.S. law‑enforcement and security agencies boarded the Skipper under a federal warrant, with the Coast Guard leading the operation and the Pentagon providing support.
• The White House says the seizure enforces sanctions and anti‑narcotics policy, and officials signal more interceptions of Venezuelan oil shipments may follow.
• Treasury imposed new sanctions on three relatives of Cilia Flores and on six vessels and shipping firms tied to transporting Venezuelan crude.
• Maduro denounced the action as naval piracy, while Russia and Cuba voiced support for Caracas and the U.N. secretary‑general expressed concern.
• Brazil’s Lula held a call with Maduro and told President Trump that Latin America is a zone of peace, as analysts warn further tanker seizures could hit Venezuela’s revenues and Cuba’s fuel supply.