US Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker Amid Escalating International Tensions and Conflict Fears

An oil tanker captured by US forces off Venezuela's coastline will be transported to a United States port, according to White House officials on Thursday, as tensions escalate toward potential conflict between the nations.

American forces seized control of the vessel in a bold operation where troops descended from helicopters onto the ship. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated this action targeted Nicolas Maduro's "regime" in Venezuela.

The Trump administration has intensified pressure on Venezuela through significant naval deployments and strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels, resulting in nearly 90 fatalities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed solidarity with his ally Maduro during a phone conversation Thursday, though Moscow's ability to provide assistance remains limited due to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed to journalists: "The vessel will go to a US port and the United States does intend to seize the oil. We're not going to stand by and watch sanctioned vessels sail the seas with black-market oil, the proceeds of which will fuel narco-terrorism of rogue and illegitimate regimes around the world."

Earlier Thursday, Secretary Noem told Congress the operation was intended to counter "a regime that is systematically covering and flooding our country with deadly drugs," referencing accusations of narcotics trafficking by Maduro's government.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi released footage showing American forces rappelling from a helicopter onto the tanker before entering the bridge with weapons drawn. Bondi described the vessel as part of an "illicit oil shipping network" transporting sanctioned petroleum.

Venezuela's foreign ministry strongly condemned the action as "blatant theft and an act of international piracy."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about rising tensions, urging "all actors to refrain from action that could further escalate bilateral tensions and destabilize Venezuela and the region."

American media reported the tanker was heading toward Cuba when intercepted by the US Coast Guard.

Senator Dick Durbin, the Senate Judiciary Committee's leading Democrat, questioned the legality of the seizure, telling CNN: "Any president, before he engages in an act of war, has to have the authorization of the American people through Congress. This president is preparing for an invasion of Venezuela, simply said. And if the American people are in favor of that, I'd be surprised."

Washington has accused Maduro of leading the "Cartel of the Suns," recently designated as a "narco-terrorist" organization, offering a $50 million reward for information leading to his capture.

The US Treasury imposed additional sanctions Thursday targeting three Maduro relatives and six companies involved in Venezuelan oil shipments.

President Trump told Politico on Monday that "Maduro's days are numbered" and declined to rule out a US ground invasion of Venezuela.

The Trump administration maintains that Maduro's leadership is illegitimate, claiming he stole Venezuela's July 2024 election.

Maduro, who succeeded leftist leader Hugo Chavez, contends the United States seeks regime change to gain control of Venezuela's substantial oil reserves.