US Seizes Second Oil Tanker Near Venezuela, Caracas Lodges Strong Protest

By: The Trek News Desk

The United States has taken control of another oil tanker that recently departed from Venezuela, marking the second such seizure this month. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, the operation was conducted in international waters and led by the US Coast Guard, with a specialised tactical unit boarding the vessel.

The latest action comes shortly after US President Donald Trump announced plans to enforce a “naval blockade” targeting sanctioned oil tankers travelling to and from Venezuela. Washington claims that proceeds from these oil shipments are being used to fund illegal activities.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared footage of the operation on the social media platform X, stating that the seizure took place in the early hours of December 20. The video shows US helicopters landing on the deck of a tanker named Centuries. Officials said the vessel had recently docked at a Venezuelan port before setting sail.

US authorities have reiterated that they will continue cracking down on what they describe as the unlawful transportation of sanctioned oil. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also weighed in, saying maritime interdiction missions would persist to dismantle criminal networks operating through sea routes.

Venezuela, however, has reacted sharply to the incident. The government in Caracas has labelled the seizure as an act of “theft and kidnapping” and warned that it will raise the matter before the United Nations Security Council and other international bodies. President Nicolás Maduro has repeatedly accused the US of attempting to appropriate Venezuela’s natural resources.

Records indicate that the Centuries tanker is registered under the Panamanian flag, although it has previously sailed under Greek and Liberian registrations. Notably, the vessel is not listed among ships sanctioned by the US Treasury Department.

In recent weeks, the US has increased its military footprint in the Caribbean Sea and conducted operations against vessels it claims are involved in drug trafficking. These actions have drawn scrutiny within the US Congress, with lawmakers questioning the lack of publicly available evidence in some cases.

For Venezuela, whose economy heavily depends on oil exports, the development is seen as particularly sensitive. The country holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and revenue from oil sales remains central to government spending. Analysts warn that the latest US move could further escalate tensions between Washington and Caracas in the coming days.

Source: News Agencies