The Venezuelan government has denounced the United States for seizing an oil tanker near its coastline, describing the operation as an act of theft and international piracy. The criticism followed a public announcement by US President Donald Trump, who confirmed on Wednesday that American forces had taken control of a large crude carrier believed to have departed Venezuelan waters earlier this month.

Trump told reporters at the White House that the tanker was intercepted for what he called a very good reason. He did not provide further details and indicated that more information would be shared later. His remarks come amid growing tension between Washington and the administration of President Nicolas Maduro, which the US has accused of narcoterrorism.

Venezuela Condemns Operation

Venezuela’s foreign ministry issued a statement shortly after the announcement, arguing that the seizure revealed the underlying motivation behind years of pressure from the United States. According to the statement, the confrontation has always centred on control over Venezuelan natural resources, particularly its oil industry. Officials insisted that the country’s energy reserves belong exclusively to the Venezuelan people.

Political analysts interviewed by regional outlets noted that the incident reinforces the deteriorating trust between Caracas and Washington. According to a report by the Associated Press, the Maduro government views the move as part of a broader attempt to weaken state owned oil operations that have already suffered from sanctions and declining production.

Details of the Vessel

US media reports identified the seized ship as the Skipper. Documents from the Venezuelan state oil company Petróleos de Venezuela, widely known as PDVSA, indicate that it set sail around 2 December with roughly two million barrels of heavy crude. Nearly half of that shipment was reportedly designated for a Cuban state run oil importer.

According to tracking data cited by American officials, the vessel was once named the M T Adisa. The ship came under US sanctions in 2022 over allegations that it was part of a covert tanker network moving crude oil on behalf of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and the Hezbollah militant group. The US Treasury Department said at the time that the network was overseen by a Ukraine born trader based in Switzerland.

Video posted by US Attorney General Pam Bondi showed Coast Guard personnel fast roping from a helicopter and moving across the ship’s deck with weapons raised. An unnamed American official told reporters that the Coast Guard led the operation with support from the US Navy.

Rising Military Activity in the Region

The seizure occurred as the United States increases its military presence around the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific. According to US defense officials, two fighter jets flew over the Gulf of Venezuela on Tuesday in what appears to be the closest approach to Venezuelan airspace since Washington began its pressure campaign.

The Pentagon has also carried out several recent strikes on vessels accused of trafficking drugs through regional waters. Security analysts told international media that the show of force signals Washington’s ongoing efforts to disrupt networks linked to organised crime and hostile foreign actors.

A Moment of Uncertain Diplomacy

The latest confrontation comes only weeks after Trump and Maduro held a phone call that the Venezuelan president described as a possible opening for respectful dialogue. Experts say the tanker incident may complicate any attempt to stabilise communication between the two governments.

The situation remains fluid. Officials in Washington have hinted that additional actions could follow, although no timeline has been provided. In Caracas, authorities maintain that they will respond through diplomatic channels while continuing to defend the country’s control over its natural resources.