US Seizes Venezuelan Tanker, Slaps New Sanctions on Ships

The United States has escalated pressure on Venezuela, seizing the tanker Skipper and imposing new sanctions on six ships said to be transporting Venezuelan oil. In addition, relatives of President Nicolás Maduro and businesses tied to his administration have been targeted, as Washington intensifies its campaign against what it calls an “illegitimate regime.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the Skipper as engaged in “illicit oil shipping” and confirmed that the vessel will be brought to a U.S. port following legal procedures. The seizure drew strong condemnation from Caracas, with Maduro calling it “international piracy” and accusing the U.S. of kidnapping the crew and stealing the ship.

The move comes amid growing U.S. naval activity in the Caribbean, where dozens of strikes have reportedly targeted vessels alleged to carry narcotics from Venezuela. Leavitt emphasized that the U.S. is committed to stopping illegal drug flows while enforcing sanctions, warning that black-market oil will not be allowed to finance criminal or rogue regimes.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that sanctions also target three nephews of Maduro’s wife, along with several companies linked to the regime. He called the measures a step to hold Maduro and his inner circle accountable for “continued crimes and dictatorial control.”

Dramatic White House footage shows troops boarding the Skipper from helicopters, weapons drawn, highlighting the scale of the operation. Venezuela’s leaders, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, condemned the action as theft and aggression, accusing the U.S. of a history of global interference.

Maduro vowed that Venezuela would never become an “oil colony,” while Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly offered Moscow’s support amid mounting external pressure. Analysts say the latest moves mark the sharpest U.S. escalation against Caracas in recent months, signaling potential further clashes over Venezuelan resources and regional influence.