The Venezuelan government has strongly denounced the United States' seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker off its Caribbean coast, characterizing the action as blatant theft and an assault on the nation's sovereignty.
Government Response
In an official statement released Wednesday, Venezuela's government condemned what it described as an act of international piracy. The statement, published through state media outlet Correo del Orinoco, portrayed the seizure as part of a broader campaign targeting Venezuela's sovereignty and natural resources.
The government specifically criticized President Donald Trump for publicly announcing the operation, saying he "confessed to the assault of an oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea."
US Operation Details
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that a coordinated effort involving the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the US Coast Guard, with Department of War support, successfully executed a seizure warrant for the crude oil tanker.
According to Bondi, the vessel had been transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran for multiple years. The tanker was sanctioned due to its role in an illicit oil shipping network that allegedly supports foreign terrorist organizations.
Bondi shared declassified video footage showing the dramatic operation: a helicopter approaching the large vessel, with tactical personnel rappelling onto the deck. The operation was conducted safely and securely off Venezuela's coast.
Presidential Statement
President Trump announced the seizure during a White House roundtable with business leaders on Wednesday.
"As you probably know, we've just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela. A large tanker, very large, largest one ever seized actually," Trump told reporters. He added that the vessel was seized for "a very good reason."
When asked about the fate of the oil cargo, Trump indicated the United States would retain it, stating, "Well, we keep it, I guess" and later confirming, "I assume we're going to keep the oil."
Investigation Continues
The Justice Department emphasized that investigations into preventing the transport of sanctioned oil continue alongside the Department of Homeland Security. The operation represents a significant enforcement action in the ongoing pressure campaign against Venezuela's oil exports.
The seizure marks what some experts are calling a substantial escalation in US efforts to enforce sanctions and disrupt illicit oil trade networks in the region.