US seizes sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela, sparking piracy row
The United States has seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela in a move that sharply escalates tensions with President Nicolás Maduro’s government and jolts global oil markets. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation on December 10, describing the vessel as a “very large” tanker and hinting that “other things” were also happening in the area. US officials say the supertanker was carrying sanctioned crude linked to Venezuela and Iran as part of an illicit shipping network that allegedly supports foreign terrorist organisations. Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X that a US seizure warrant was executed by the FBI, Homeland Security, the Coast Guard and supporting military units. Video released by US authorities shows helicopters approaching the vessel and armed personnel in camouflage fast roping onto its deck to take control. The ship, previously sanctioned by […]