Trump Orders Seizure of Sixth Oil Tanker Near Venezuela

U.S. forces have seized a sixth oil tanker near Venezuela after the vessel allegedly defied an order issued by President Donald Trump, escalating tensions in the region. The interception took place in the Caribbean as part of Washington’s stepped-up enforcement of sanctions targeting Venezuelan oil exports. According to U.S. officials, the tanker was operating in violation of restrictions imposed under Trump’s directive aimed at curbing illicit crude shipments and pressuring the Venezuelan government.

Key Highlights

• US forces seized a sixth oil tanker after it defied President Trump’s sanctions order.
• The move reflects Trump’s tougher enforcement of maritime sanctions targeting Venezuelan oil exports.

The operation involved coordinated action by U.S. naval and security forces, underscoring the Trump administration’s hardline stance on enforcing maritime sanctions. Officials said the move sends a strong signal that vessels attempting to bypass U.S. orders and sanctions will face decisive action. This latest seizure follows a series of similar interventions in recent weeks, highlighting an aggressive push by President Trump to tighten control over oil flows linked to Venezuela.

The operation was conducted under Operation Southern Spear, a broader campaign aimed at tightening control over oil shipments from Venezuela amid heightened geopolitical tensions. Homeland Security officials praised the seizure as a successful enforcement of international law and part of ongoing efforts to disrupt what Washington calls a “shadow fleet” of tankers attempting to evade sanctions.

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The latest capture underscores the U.S. administration’s aggressive stance toward Venezuelan oil trade, which it has linked to funding illicit activities and undermining global sanctions. These maritime interdictions follow a series of similar actions in recent weeks, reflecting an escalated effort to pressure Venezuela’s oil industry and assert oversight over energy flows in the region. Critics, including Venezuelan officials, have condemned the seizures, framing them as unlawful and harmful to regional stability.