Venezuela denounces US seizure of oil tanker as "theft and kidnapping"
The US government confirmed the tanker was intercepted off Venezuela as part of its ongoing campaign to enforce sanctions on Caracas. Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem said the vessel, identified as the Centuries, was “suspected of carrying oil subject to US sanctions” and posted aerial footage showing a helicopter hovering above the tanker. Noem emphasized that the US would continue to stop the movement of sanctioned oil, which it claims funds “narco terrorism” in the region.
This marks the second US interdiction of a tanker in two weeks, following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a blockade targeting sanctioned oil shipments to and from Venezuela. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated that the blockade remains in full effect.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez responded defiantly, stating that Caracas is “waging a battle against lies, manipulation, interference, military threats, and psychological warfare” and will not be intimidated. The US currently has 11 warships, including an aircraft carrier, deployed in the Caribbean as part of its efforts against Venezuela and drug trafficking in the region.
Caracas sees the US actions as an attempt to oust President Nicolas Maduro and “steal” Venezuelan oil. The military has also conducted air strikes against alleged drug-trafficking vessels, a campaign that has drawn criticism for legal and humanitarian concerns.
The tanker seizure occurred during a Mercosur summit, where tensions over Venezuela dominated discussions. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva warned that a military escalation could trigger a “humanitarian catastrophe,” while Argentine President Javier Milei, an ally of Trump, expressed support for US pressure on Caracas to “free the Venezuelan people.”
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
