US seizes 'largest ever' tanker off Venezuela coast, Trump says
Share and Follow
President Donald Trump said this morning that the US has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela amid mounting tensions with the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The Trump administration has intensified its efforts against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who faces narcoterrorism charges in the United States.

“We’ve just seized a tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a massive one—the largest ever seized, in fact,” President Trump announced to reporters at the White House.

President Donald Trump says the US has seized a tanker off the Venezuela coast. (AP)

While hinting at further actions, Trump refrained from providing more specifics, promising to disclose additional information at a later time.

The operation to seize the tanker was executed by the US Coast Guard with support from the Navy, according to a US official who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly.

In a related move, the US military dispatched two fighter jets over the Gulf of Venezuela, marking one of the closest approaches to Venezuelan airspace since the Trump administration began its campaign to apply pressure on the South American nation.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. (AP)

The US has built up the largest military presence in the region in decades and launched a series of deadly strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

Trump has said land attacks are coming soon but has not offered any details on location.

Among the concessions the US has made to Maduro during past negotiations was approval for oil giant Chevron Corp to resume pumping and exporting Venezuelan oil. The corporation’s activities in the South American country resulted in a financial lifeline for Maduro’s government.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Chris Robertson has been identified as the 49-year-old found dead at a workshop on O'Sullivan's Beach Road in Lonsdale, an industrial suburb in Adelaide, yesterday.

Shocking Arrest: Suspect Charged in Tragic Murder of Beloved Adelaide Father-of-Two

Chris Robertson was last seen alive on September 27, celebrating the AFL…
Tom Silvagni pictured leaving court IMPORTANT **ONLY USE IF SUPPRESSION ORDER IS LIFTED**

AFL Legend’s Son Exposed in Rape Case After Court Lifts Secrecy

The individual identified as the son of AFL legend Stephen Silvagni has…
The Adesso product was sold in Woolworths Supermarket stores nationally and online.

Urgent Recall Alert: Discover Why These Popular Pedestal Fans Were Pulled for Safety Risks

In a recent development affecting consumers across Australia, two popular pedestal fans…

The Life-Saving Question That Transformed Stuart’s Hospital Visit

Stuart Slater doesn’t drink or smoke, exercises regularly and describes his diet…
Reece Walsh is SNUBBED from top international award after Broncos superstar's standout season

Reece Walsh Overlooked: Broncos Sensation Misses Out on Coveted International Award Despite Stellar Season

Reece Walsh has missed out on the 2025 International Rugby League Golden…

Why Some Retirees Could Require an Additional $300k in Savings

Renters starting their retirement will need an extra $300,000 in superannuation to…

Boost Your Immunity: New COVID-19 Vaccine Available for Australians Against Emerging Variant

The federal health department emphasizes that staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations is…
A Bupa health insurance sign.

Bupa Penalized $35 Million for Five-Year Misleading of Thousands of Customers

Bupa has been hit with a substantial $35 million fine after it…