Amanze Chinonye
The United States has seized a sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker off the country’s coast, President Trump announced Wednesday, escalating tensions with Caracas and sending oil prices higher.
“We’ve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, very large, largest one ever,” Trump said, signaling continued pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The operation involved the FBI, Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, and Department of Defense, with video footage released by Attorney General Pam Bondi showing helicopters and armed personnel boarding the vessel.
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The tanker, identified as the Skipper (formerly Adisa), had been sanctioned for allegedly transporting Venezuelan and Iranian oil in violation of U.S. sanctions. Satellite tracking indicates it was carrying approximately 1.8 million barrels of Venezuela’s Merey heavy crude, some of which had already been partially offloaded near Curacao to the Panama-flagged Neptune 6.
Venezuela condemned the seizure as “blatant theft” and “an act of international piracy,” vowing to bring the matter before international bodies. Iran’s embassy in Caracas described the move as a “grave violation of international laws and norms.”
The vessel was reportedly falsely flying Guyana’s flag at the time of the seizure and had previously transported Venezuelan crude to Asia.
Oil markets responded to the news with modest gains. Brent crude rose 0.4% to $62.21 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained 0.4% to $58.46 per barrel. Analysts noted that while the seizure raises short-term supply concerns, it may not fundamentally alter the global oil market, as the seized barrels were already in transit.
The seizure is the first known U.S. interdiction of a Venezuelan oil tanker under the Trump administration’s ongoing military presence in the Caribbean. Since September 2025, U.S. forces have carried out multiple strikes on vessels suspected of narcotics trafficking, raising legal and ethical questions internationally.
The operation underscores a continued U.S. effort to enforce sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector, the country’s primary revenue source, while signaling a willingness to escalate actions in the region.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
