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US intercepts Venezuelan oil tanker in Caribbean operation
President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that American forces had seized a large oil tanker off Venezuela's coast, describing the move as part of Washington's intensified campaign to pressure Nicolás Maduro's government. The vessel, identified as the Skipper, was allegedly transporting sanctioned crude oil from Venezuela and Iran.
Trump confirms seizure, cites illicit oil network
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump called the tanker "the largest ever seized" and shared footage of the operation. Attorney General Pam Bondi later released a video showing US military personnel rappelling onto the ship from helicopters, with armed troops securing the deck. Bondi stated the tanker had been "sanctioned for years" due to its role in an oil-smuggling network supporting foreign terrorist groups, including Hezbollah and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force.
"For multiple years, the oil tanker has been sanctioned by the United States due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations."
US Attorney General Pam Bondi, via X
Military operation details emerge
A senior military official told CBS News that the operation involved two helicopters, 10 Coast Guard members, 10 Marines, and special forces. The helicopters launched from the USS Gerald Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, which was deployed to the Caribbean last month. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was briefed on the mission, and sources indicated the Trump administration is considering similar actions in the future.
Vessel's ownership and movements under scrutiny
Maritime risk firm Vanguard Tech identified the ship as the Skipper, noting it had likely been "spoofing" its location for an extended period. The US Treasury sanctioned the vessel in 2022 for alleged oil smuggling tied to Hezbollah. While MarineTraffic data showed the Skipper sailing under Guyana's flag, Guyana's Maritime Administration denied the claim, stating the ship was not registered in the country.
Tracking data revealed the Skipper had docked in Iran, Iraq, and the UAE between June and July 2025. Its last recorded stop was at Iran's Soroosh port on July 9. The vessel was later detected near Guyana in late October, though its movements may have been falsified.
Venezuela condemns seizure as 'piracy'
Caracas swiftly denounced the operation, with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello calling US forces "murderers, thieves, pirates." He compared the incident to the fictional Pirates of the Caribbean, accusing Washington of "starting wars worldwide." President Maduro, speaking at a rally before the seizure was public, referenced the 1988 song Don't Worry, Be Happy in a message to Americans opposed to conflict with Venezuela, though it remains unclear if he was aware of the operation at the time.
"To American citizens who are against the war, I respond with a very famous song: Don't worry, be happy. Not war, be happy."
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
Market and regional tensions rise
Brent crude prices edged higher Wednesday amid concerns over short-term supply disruptions. Analysts warned the seizure could deter shipping firms from handling Venezuelan oil, further destabilizing the country's exports. Venezuela, home to the world's largest proven oil reserves, has accused the US of attempting to "steal" its resources.
The Trump administration has ramped up military activity in the Caribbean, including at least 22 strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats since September, resulting in 80 deaths. The USS Gerald Ford's deployment has fueled speculation about potential military action against Venezuela.
Next steps unclear
When asked about the fate of the seized oil, Trump replied, "We keep it, I guess... I assume we're going to keep the oil." The vessel's ownership is split between Nigeria-based Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd (beneficial owner) and Marshall Islands-registered Triton Navigation Corp (registered owner).
