Venezuela Accuses Washington of Theft Following Oil Tanker Seizure

SadaNews - The Venezuelan government accused the United States of committing "outrageous theft" after seizing a sanctioned oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast, affirming its determination to defend its sovereignty, natural resources, and national dignity vigorously, and it will approach international bodies to contest the American action.

 

The escalation followed U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of the tanker seizure, a decision that led to an increase in oil prices and heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas.

Trump stated that the "largest ship being seized" was taken "for very good reasons," indicating that the United States would retain its cargo without revealing details about its owners or destination.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham expressed his support for the seizure decision, claiming that the tanker was used to transport oil subject to sanctions from Venezuela and Iran, considering it time to end what he described as the "terrorist Maduro regime" and "liberate the Venezuelan people."

Venezuela relies almost entirely on crude oil exports, but it faces crushing sanctions that force it to sell its production on the black market at low prices, especially to Asian markets.

Observers fear that the seizure of the tanker could impact Venezuelan oil exports, as this might deter buyers for fear of facing the same action.

Venezuela produces about 1.1 million barrels per day, most of which goes to China, according to experts.

In recent weeks, tensions have escalated with the United States after Trump issued an executive order to expand the role of the U.S. military under the guise of "combating drug cartels," and Washington announced the deployment of warships and a submarine to the region.

For his part, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the military's readiness to carry out operations, including regime change in Venezuela. In response to these developments, President Nicolás Maduro announced the mobilization of 4.5 million members of his forces in preparation for any potential attack.

Amid military escalation and tightened economic measures, Washington continues to pressure for Maduro's ousting, while Trump asserts that his days are "numbered."