Donald Trump says US military seized ‘largest’ oil tanker on Venezuela coast, tensions soar, fear of war grows

US President Donald Trump has announced that his administration has seized an oil tanker on the coast of Venezuela as tensions between the countries continue to escalate.

Speaking from the White House, Mr Trump said it has been an “interesting day” and told journalists “other things were happening”.

“We’ve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela,” Mr Trump said.

“A large tanker, very large. Largest ever seized actually.”

Mr Trump has ordered a massive US military build-up in the region, including an aircraft carrier, fighter jets and tens of thousands of troops.

The US Government alleges the oil tanker was carrying sanctioned oil.

Later, Attorney General Pam Bondi shared a video of the seizure, revealing details about the multi-agency operation.

WATCH THE VIDEO IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

“Today, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Coast Guard, with support from the Department of War, executed a seizure warrant for a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran,” she wrote on X.

“For multiple years, the oil tanker has been sanctioned by the United States due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations.

“This seizure, completed off the coast of Venezuela, was conducted safely and securely—and our investigation alongside the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the transport of sanctioned oil continues.”

The seizure comes as Mr Trump continues to feud with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration has so far carried out over 20 fatal kinetic strikes on boats alleged carrying drugs, manned by “narco-terrorists”.

The war on drugs entering the US through Venezuela has been labelled a pseudo war by experts.

Venezuela has stepped up its military action, including mass recruitment of soldiers, while the US Government has mobilised the world’s largest aircraft carrier and other military assets to the region.