The US seizes a tanker off the coast of Venezuela. Prosecutor's Office: he was subject to sanctions
“The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Homeland Security Investigations Division, and the U.S. Coast Guard, with the support of the Department of War, today enforced a warrant to seize a tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. The tanker has been under U.S. sanctions for many years due to its involvement in an illegal oil transportation network supporting foreign terrorist organizations,” Bondi wrote on X.
As she added, the vessel was intercepted safely off the coast of Venezuela. She also said that the investigation aimed at preventing the transport of sanctioned oil is continuing. Bondi attached a video to the entry showing the takeover of the unit.
Donald Trump spoke out about the seized tanker
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday confirmed media reports that the Americans had taken over a tanker off the coast of Venezuela.
The article continues below the video
Where was the tanker seized?
Who announced the takeover of the tanker?
What sanctions were imposed on the tanker?
What actions does the US plan to take after taking over the ship?
— As you may know, we just intercepted an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela – Trump said at a meeting with business representatives. — Big tanker, very big. In fact, it's the biggest one ever taken over. There are other things happening too – he added.
CBS News reported with reference to sources that the seized tanker was “The Skipper”, on which the US imposed sanctions in 2022 due to its links with Iran and Hezbollah. According to CBS, the administration is considering further similar missions.
According to CNN, the seizure of the tanker will most likely result in even greater tensions between the US and Venezuela. The Americans have been increasing pressure on the Venezuelan authorities for weeks. President of the USA Donald Trump said in a recent interview with Politico that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's days “are numbered”but did not reveal its goal and strategy towards this country. At the same time, he refused to rule out a land invasion of Venezuela and suggested he might use force against Mexico and Colombia.
