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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.
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US Military Seizes Oil Tanker Near Venezuela in Sanctions Enforcement

US Military Seizes Oil Tanker Near Venezuela in Sanctions Enforcement

The U.S. military has seized an oil tanker near the coast of Venezuela, as shown in a video released by the Department of Justice. The operation, led by the U.S. Coast Guard and announced by President Trump, involved military helicopters and troops boarding the vessel. The tanker was reportedly used to transport oil from Venezuela and Iran, both under U.S. sanctions. According to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, the operation is part of efforts to enforce sanctions and prevent the sale of sanctioned oil.
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U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuela Coast Amid Heightened Tensions

U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuela Coast Amid Heightened Tensions

U.S. forces seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, as announced by President Trump. The tanker, identified as the Skipper, is a Guyana-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier loaded with 1.1 million barrels of oil. The seizure was executed by the FBI, Homeland Security, and the U.S. Coast Guard, with support from the Pentagon. The tanker has been sanctioned by the U.S. for its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations. The seizure is part of a broader U.S. strategy to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with President Trump indicating that Maduro's 'days are numbered.' The U.S. has increased military presence in the Caribbean and conducted strikes against alleged drug trafficking vessels.
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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.
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U.S. Military Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuela Coast for Sanctions Violation

U.S. Military Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuela Coast for Sanctions Violation

The U.S. military has seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. This action was taken as the tanker was reportedly used to violate international sanctions on oil exports from Venezuela and Iran. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the seizure, highlighting the ongoing enforcement of sanctions aimed at curbing the oil trade from these countries. The operation underscores the U.S. commitment to maintaining pressure on Venezuela and Iran, both of which are subject to extensive economic sanctions due to their respective governments' policies and actions.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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."
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Defense Department Considers Public Release of Controversial Boat Strike Video

Defense Department Considers Public Release of Controversial Boat Strike Video

The Defense Department is reviewing the video of a controversial September 2nd military strike on a drug boat off the coast of Venezuela for potential public release. The strike, which involved a second attack on survivors of an initial strike, has drawn criticism and calls for transparency. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that national security officials must assess whether releasing the video could compromise ongoing operations. The Trump administration's campaign of boat strikes in the Caribbean has faced scrutiny for being conducted without Congressional approval.
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US lawmakers may withold Hegseth travel funds to force boat video release

US lawmakers may withold Hegseth travel funds to force boat video release

By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, Dec 8 (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers may withhold a quarter of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's travel budget if he does not provide unedited videos of military strikes on boats in the southern Caribbean and eastern Pacific, the latest effort to obtain more information
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President Trump Announces Military Escalation in Caribbean Amid Snow Disruptions Across U.S.

President Trump Announces Military Escalation in Caribbean Amid Snow Disruptions Across U.S.

A severe winter storm has caused significant disruptions across the United States, with heavy snowfall leading to widespread flight cancellations and delays. Concurrently, President Trump has announced plans to escalate the U.S. military campaign in the Caribbean. This announcement comes as Ukraine peace talks show progress, despite increased military strikes by Russia. The combination of domestic weather challenges and international military developments highlights a complex landscape of issues facing the U.S. at this time.