11.12.2025 09:47
The United States seized a large oil tanker belonging to Venezuela under sanctions in a helicopter operation. While announcing the operation, Trump stated that the tanker was carrying 1.8 million barrels of crude oil and that the oil would remain in the U.S. The Venezuelan government described the move as "broad daylight theft and international piracy," and following the unprecedented operation, oil prices rose.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a military operation was carried out against an oil tanker claimed to belong to Venezuela and subject to U.S. sanctions.
"THE LARGEST TANKER CAPTURED"
Trump stated that soldiers landed on the ship during the helicopter raid and seized the tanker, and he announced that the tanker was officially confiscated by the U.S. military after the operation. Trump described the tanker as "the largest tanker ever captured," while this operation caused oil prices to rise.
"COLOMBIAN PRESIDENT SHOULD BE WISE"
While emphasizing that he would increase pressure on Venezuela, Trump also made a threatening statement towards Colombia. The U.S. President said, "The Colombian president should be wise; he could be next."
FIRST SEIZURE MOVE AGAINST OIL SHIPMENTS
The operation, carried out under sanctions in effect since 2019, was recorded as the first seizure move against Venezuelan oil shipments. The super tanker named Skipper, which was on the sanctions list for allegedly being involved in Iranian oil trade, was stopped off the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday morning. It was confirmed by Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA records that the tanker was carrying 1.8 million barrels of Merey type heavy crude oil.
"DAYLIGHT THEFT"
The Caracas administration criticized the operation with strong statements. Officials claimed that the incident was "daylight theft and international piracy" and announced that they would bring the issue to international organizations. The Maduro government alleged that the target of U.S. military pressure was to overthrow them and gain control over the country's rich oil reserves. When asked about the fate of the confiscated oil, Trump replied, "I think it stays with us" and mentioned that there are other tankers on their radar.
The Guyana maritime authority announced that the tanker was flying the country's flag falsely. It was reported that the operation, which was initiated as a result, received support from the FBI, Homeland Security, Coast Guard, and the U.S. military. Footage taken from helicopters showed camouflaged soldiers descending onto the ship with ropes, while the crew was reported to be interrogated.
OIL PRICES ROSE
Following the announcement of the operation, there was a slight increase in Brent and WTI crude oil futures contracts. It was noted that Venezuela's daily oil exports exceeded 900,000 barrels last month, and in sales to China, they had to apply significant discounts due to sanctioned Russian and Iranian oil.
On the other hand, the Trump administration has conducted more than 20 airstrikes against targets it described as "suspicious drug boats" in the Caribbean and Pacific since September. More than 80 people have lost their lives in these attacks.