Venezuela has condemned the US seizure of an oil tanker off its shores, describing the action as an “act of piracy” aimed at overthrowing the government and seizing the country’s oil resources. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry released a statement denouncing the “theft and hijacking” of a private vessel transporting Venezuelan oil in international waters, accusing US military personnel of the “forced disappearance” of its crew.
The seizure is part of a broader campaign by the US to impose a “colonialist model” on Venezuela, stripping it of its sovereignty and natural wealth, according to Caracas. The government has vowed to pursue accountability through international bodies, including the UN Security Council, and warned that those responsible will be judged by “justice and history.”
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the seizure earlier, framing it as enforcement against Venezuelan oil exports. The move comes days after President Donald Trump ordered a “total and complete” blockade of “sanctioned” tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. President Nicolas Maduro has accused Washington of seeking to install a “puppet government” that would surrender Venezuela’s constitution, sovereignty, and resources.
The blockade and vessel seizures have been described as “corsair tactics” and part of a “diplomacy of barbarism” by Maduro. Trump has linked the confrontation to Venezuela’s oil, claiming the country “stole” US energy assets and threatening that Caracas would face significant consequences unless it returns them. Russia and China have warned that the growing US military presence and vessel seizures risk triggering wider instability, urging restraint and respect for international law.
The seizure is the latest development in a long-standing dispute between the US and Venezuela over oil exports and sovereignty. Venezuela has significant oil reserves, and the US has imposed sanctions on the country’s oil industry in an effort to pressure the government. The situation has sparked international concern, with many countries calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The UN Security Council is likely to discuss the issue in the coming days, as Venezuela seeks to hold the US accountable for its actions.