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US seizes oil tanker off coast of Venezuela, Trump says

US seizes oil tanker off coast of Venezuela, Trump says

By Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart and Steve Holland WASHINGTON, Dec 10 (Reuters) - The U.S. has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, a move that raised oil prices and is likely to further inflame tensions between Washington and Caracas.

U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuela Coast, President Trump Announces

U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuela Coast, President Trump Announces

The United States has seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, as announced by President Trump. The seizure is part of ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. The tanker, reportedly involved in transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran, was seized by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Coast Guard. President Trump indicated that the U.S. intends to keep the oil from the tanker. The action is part of a broader U.S. strategy to combat illicit oil shipping networks and support sanctions against Venezuela.

U.S. Forces Seize Oil Tanker Off Venezuela, Escalating Tensions

U.S. Forces Seize Oil Tanker Off Venezuela, Escalating Tensions

U.S. forces have seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, as announced by President Trump. The seizure is part of the U.S.'s ongoing pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. President Trump did not provide details on the ownership or destination of the tanker. This action comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, with the U.S. increasing its military presence in the Caribbean and conducting strikes against vessels it claims are involved in drug trafficking. Venezuela, a founding member of OPEC, has the largest proven oil reserves globally and exports a significant portion of its oil to China and the U.S.

US Fighter Jets Conduct Training Near Venezuelan Coast Amid Rising Tensions

US Fighter Jets Conduct Training Near Venezuelan Coast Amid Rising Tensions

Two US F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets were observed circling the Gulf of Venezuela, near Maracaibo, as tensions between the US and Venezuela continue to escalate. The jets, tracked on flight monitoring sites, conducted a 40-minute flight in the area. A US defense official described the activity as a 'routine training flight.' This incident follows a series of US military actions in the Caribbean, aimed at combating drug trafficking from Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the US of using these operations to destabilize his government. The US has not confirmed any plans to deploy troops to Venezuela, although President Trump has suggested that Maduro's time in power is limited. The flights are part of a broader pattern of US military presence in the region, including previous flights by B-52 and B-1 bombers.

US Military Conducts Closest Known Flight Near Venezuelan Airspace Amid Rising Tensions

US Military Conducts Closest Known Flight Near Venezuelan Airspace Amid Rising Tensions

The United States deployed two F/A-18 fighter jets over the Gulf of Venezuela, marking the closest known approach of U.S. military aircraft to Venezuelan airspace. This mission, described by a U.S. defense official as a 'routine training flight,' was conducted entirely within international airspace and aimed to demonstrate the aircraft's operational reach. The flight, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, follows a period of increased U.S. military activity in the region, including previous flights of B-52 and B-1 bombers along Venezuela's coastline. The heightened activity began after U.S. strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, which the Trump administration justified as necessary to combat illicit drug trafficking. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has denied these allegations.

Machado's daughter accepts Nobel Peace Prize in Venezuelan opposition leader's absence

Machado's daughter accepts Nobel Peace Prize in Venezuelan opposition leader's absence

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado’s daughter has accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her mother’s behalf

Retiring Navy admiral briefs Congress on boat strikes near Venezuela

Retiring Navy admiral briefs Congress on boat strikes near Venezuela

The U.S. Navy admiral who is retiring early from command of the campaign to destroy vessels allegedly carrying drugs near Venezuela is speaking to key lawmakers

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado will miss Nobel Peace Prize ceremony

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado will miss Nobel Peace Prize ceremony

The head of the Nobel Institute has said Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado will miss the ceremony to award her the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo

House is voting on a defense bill to raise troop pay and overhaul weapons purchases

House is voting on a defense bill to raise troop pay and overhaul weapons purchases

The House is headed toward a final vote on a sweeping defense bill that authorizes $900 billion in military programs

Cuba denies contacts with the United States over Venezuela's future

Cuba denies contacts with the United States over Venezuela's future

HAVANA, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Cuba denied it had reached out to the United States about what the region would look like without President Nicolas Maduro leading Venezuela, calling the media report "absurd and false."

Trump says survivors of scrutinized US strike were trying to right boat before 2nd missile was fired

Trump says survivors of scrutinized US strike were trying to right boat before 2nd missile was fired

President Donald Trump is justifying the U.S. military's decision to fire a second missile in a heavily scrutinized U.S. attack on a boat in the Caribbean Sea

Oil holds at two-week highs on expected US rate cut, geopolitical risks

Oil holds at two-week highs on expected US rate cut, geopolitical risks

By Florence Tan SINGAPORE, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Oil prices hovered at two-week highs on Monday as investors expect a Federal Reserve interest rate cut this week that will lift economic growth and energy demand while eyeing geopolitical risks that threaten oil supplies from Russia and Venezuela.