CARACAS, December 21 (ANI): Tensions between Caracas and Washington escalated over the weekend after Venezuela condemned the seizure of another oil tanker off its shores, Russia Today reported.
The Venezuelan government described the move as an “act of piracy” and a direct attempt by the United States to seize the country’s energy resources and undermine its leadership. In an official statement, the Foreign Ministry denounced the “theft and hijacking” of a private vessel transporting Venezuelan oil through international waters. Caracas also accused US military personnel of the “forced disappearance” of the ship’s crew.
Venezuela argued that this latest interception is part of a broader “colonialist model” orchestrated by Washington to strip the country of its sovereignty and natural wealth. The government vowed to seek accountability through international bodies, including the United Nations Security Council, warning that those responsible would eventually face “justice and history.”
From the US perspective, the operation was framed as law enforcement. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the predawn seizure on Saturday, describing it as an enforcement action against Venezuelan oil exports. This follows President Donald Trump’s recent order of a “total and complete” blockade on all sanctioned tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.
Trump has cited economic motivations behind these moves, claiming that Venezuela “stole” US energy assets and warning that Caracas would face the power of “the largest armada ever assembled in the history of South America” if the assets are not returned.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro condemned the US actions, accusing Washington of attempting to install a “puppet government” that would abandon the country’s constitution and surrender its resources. Maduro described the blockade and ship seizures as “corsair tactics” and a “diplomacy of barbarism.”
The situation has also raised international concern. Both Russia and China have warned that the increased US military presence and vessel seizures risk triggering wider regional instability and have called for restraint and adherence to international law.
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