In a bold military maneuver that has sent shockwaves across Latin America, U.S. forces seized a massive oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, intensifying an already strained standoff with President Nicolás Maduro’s government.
A viral 90-second video shared by U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi shows armed American troops rappelling from helicopters onto the tanker in what officials describe as a “lawful, coordinated counter-terror operation.”
The vessel, long suspected of transporting sanctioned Venezuelan and Iranian crude, was taken under federal seizure orders issued by U.S. authorities. Officials say the ship is linked to global networks accused of funding terrorism and evading sanctions.
Trump Confirms Operation, Says U.S. Will “Keep the Oil”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the seizure from the White House, calling it “one of the largest maritime operations ever executed by the United States.”
“We have just seized a very large tanker off Venezuela — maybe the biggest yet,”
Trump said. “It was seized for good reason… and yes, I suppose we’ll keep the oil.”
He praised U.S. troops for their “courageous and professional” conduct, saying the action sends a clear message to “rogue regimes supporting terrorism.”
Inside the High-Risk Raid: Helicopters, Armed Troops, and a Fast Takeover
Pamela Bondi revealed that the dramatic mission involved:
●U.S. Coast Guard
●Navy support units
●FBI
●Homeland Security Investigations
●Department of Defense
Her video shows helicopters circling the tanker, troops dropping onto the deck, weapons drawn, and crew members being detained as Americans secure control of the vessel.
Bondi said the tanker has been part of “an illicit global network moving sanctioned oil from Iran and Venezuela and financing terrorism.”
Maduro Government Explodes in Anger: Calls Raid an “Imperialist Attack”
The Venezuelan government condemned the action as “imperialist provocation”, accusing Washington of illegally targeting its oil industry.
At a rally in Caracas, President Maduro—without directly mentioning the tanker—urged citizens to “stand as warriors against North American tyranny.”
Venezuela claims the tanker was in neutral waters and says it will raise the matter before international maritime authorities.
Largest U.S. Military Presence in Caribbean Since 1962
Defense analysts warn that this operation is part of the largest U.S. naval deployment in the Caribbean since the Cuban Missile Crisis.
In recent months, U.S. forces have executed more than 20 maritime enforcement missions, targeting vessels linked to drug trafficking and sanctioned oil trades. Reports indicate over 80 deaths in related clashes.
The tanker seizure underscores Washington’s strategy to choke Venezuela’s alliances with Iran and Russia while ramping up pressure on the Maduro regime.
Maduro Under Mounting Pressure
Maduro faces multiple U.S. accusations:
●Election fraud
●Human rights abuses
●Corruption
●Drug trafficking
In 2025, the U.S. announced a $50 million bounty for information leading to his arrest.
The latest maritime operation is expected to sharpen the geopolitical confrontation, with neither side signaling any willingness to step back.
