On December 10, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that the United States military seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, marking a significant escalation in U.S. military operations in the region. This action is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to exert pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S.

The seizure, conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard with support from the Navy, is described by Trump as the largest tanker ever taken by the U.S. However, specific details regarding the operation and the future of the seized oil remain undisclosed. The U.S. has previously sanctioned the tanker for its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network linked to foreign terrorist organizations.

This military action follows a series of U.S. strikes against vessels suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean, which have reportedly resulted in at least 87 deaths since September. Critics, including some lawmakers, have raised concerns about the legality and ethics of these strikes, arguing that they may contravene established military protocols and international law. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has faced scrutiny for a September order that led to a second strike on survivors of an initial attack, raising questions about the obligations to assist individuals in distress at sea.

The U.S. military's increased presence in the region has included the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, which has been conducting flights over the Gulf of Venezuela. This military buildup has not been seen in decades and aligns with the administration's framing of the situation as an armed conflict against drug cartels, which have been labeled as foreign terrorist organizations.

Venezuela, which possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, produces approximately 1 million barrels of oil daily. However, U.S. sanctions have severely restricted its access to global oil markets, forcing the state-owned oil company to sell most of its output at discounted rates through complex networks involving intermediaries. This situation raises significant humanitarian concerns, as the Venezuelan populace continues to face economic and social challenges exacerbated by external pressures.

While Maduro has not directly addressed the seizure during public appearances, he has stated that Venezuela is prepared to resist U.S. aggression, emphasizing that only his ruling party can ensure the country's stability and development. The U.S. has previously allowed oil giant Chevron to resume operations in Venezuela, providing some financial support to Maduro's government.

The ongoing military operations and their implications for both Venezuelan society and regional stability continue to be scrutinized, with bipartisan inquiries in Congress seeking clarity on the legality and ethical considerations of the U.S. military's actions.