Venezuela accuses US of piracy over seized oil tanker
In a statement on Saturday, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry described the operation as “theft and hijacking” of a private vessel carrying Venezuelan oil and accused US personnel of forcibly detaining the crew. Caracas framed the incident as part of a broader “colonialist model” imposed by Washington to strip the nation of sovereignty and natural wealth, pledging to seek accountability through international channels, including the UN Security Council.
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that American forces seized the tanker in a predawn operation, citing enforcement against Venezuelan oil exports. This followed President Donald Trump’s order for a “total and complete” blockade of sanctioned tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.
President Nicolas Maduro accused the US of attempting to install a “puppet government” willing to surrender Venezuela’s constitution, sovereignty, and resources, describing the vessel seizures and blockade as “corsair tactics” and a “diplomacy of barbarism.” Trump has linked the actions to Venezuelan oil, claiming the country “stole” US energy assets and threatening Caracas with “the largest armada ever assembled in the history of South America” unless it returns them.
Russia and China have cautioned that the expanding US military presence and tanker seizures could destabilize the region, calling for restraint and adherence to international law.
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