Venezuela Accuses US Of ‘International Piracy’ After Oil Tanker Seizure

Venezuela has accused the United States of committing “international piracy” after another oil tanker carrying Venezuelan crude was seized at sea.

According to Russia Today, the Venezuelan government said the vessel was intercepted while transporting oil through international waters.

Caracas described the seizure as an unlawful act aimed at undermining the country’s energy sector and destabilising its political leadership.

In an official statement, Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry condemned the operation, referring to it as the theft and hijacking of a privately owned tanker.

The ministry further alleged that US military personnel were responsible for the forced disappearance of the ship’s crew following the interception.

Venezuelan authorities claimed the United States was pursuing what they described as a colonial-style strategy designed to strip Venezuela of its sovereignty and seize control of its natural resources.

The government in Caracas said it would seek accountability through international mechanisms, including the United Nations Security Council. It warned that those responsible for the tanker seizure would eventually be held accountable by justice and history.

In a pre-dawn action early this morning on Dec. 20, the US Coast Guard with the support of the Department of War apprehended an oil tanker that was last docked in Venezuela.

The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund… pic.twitter.com/nSZ4mi6axc

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) December 20, 2025

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the tanker was seized during a predawn operation on Saturday, stating that the move was linked to enforcement measures against Venezuelan oil exports.

The seizure followed a significant escalation announced by US President Donald Trump earlier in the week. As reported by Russia Today, Trump ordered a “total and complete” blockade of all tankers considered to be sanctioned while entering or leaving Venezuela.

Trump has publicly linked the policy to economic grievances, asserting that Venezuela had taken US energy assets. He warned that failure to return those assets would result in a show of force, including the deployment of what he described as the largest naval armada ever assembled in the history of South America.

President Nicolas Maduro strongly criticised Washington’s actions. He accused the US of attempting to install a compliant government that would abandon Venezuela’s constitution and surrender control of its resources.

Maduro reportedly described the blockade and vessel seizures as corsair-style tactics and an example of what he termed barbaric diplomacy.

Reference: ANI News

Source: Maritime Shipping News