The Venezuelan government has denounced the U.S. seizure of a private oil tanker in international waters on December 21, 2025, calling it an act of "theft and kidnapping" that violates international law. Authorities accused U.S. military forces of intercepting the vessel transporting Venezuelan oil and detaining its crew, escalating tensions amid a growing U.S. military presence near Venezuela's coast.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed the seizure occurred earlier in the day, marking the second such incident in recent weeks. The action follows President Donald Trump's order to block all U.S.-sanctioned oil tankers from Venezuelan waters, part of Washington's ongoing pressure campaign targeting Caracas.
Venezuela’s foreign ministry described the move as "piracy" that undermines maritime trade norms and the UN Charter. Analysts warn the escalation risks destabilizing global oil markets, with Venezuela remaining a key crude exporter despite U.S. sanctions.
The incident highlights deepening geopolitical friction in the Americas, drawing scrutiny from international legal experts and energy market observers. Regional governments have yet to issue formal responses, though concerns over freedom of navigation violations are expected to dominate diplomatic discussions this week.
