On December 10, 2025, U.S. forces seized the oil tanker Skipper off the coast of Venezuela, marking the first military operation of its kind in over a decade. President Donald Trump announced the seizure, describing it as the largest ever executed by the U.S. military. The operation was conducted under a federal warrant, with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stating that the tanker was involved in transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran, allegedly supporting foreign terrorist organizations.

This seizure is part of a broader military strategy aimed at increasing pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whose government has faced extensive criticism for authoritarian practices and the resulting humanitarian crisis in the country. The U.S. has deployed significant military resources in the Caribbean, including 11 warships and 15,000 troops, as part of ongoing operations against drug trafficking and to enforce sanctions against the Maduro regime.

The Venezuelan government condemned the seizure, labeling it an act of theft and international piracy, and asserting that U.S. actions are motivated by a desire to control Venezuela's natural resources rather than genuine concerns for democracy or human rights. Critics of the U.S. military intervention argue that such actions may violate international law and due process rights, raising ethical questions about the use of military force in foreign policy.

Bipartisan concerns have emerged among U.S. lawmakers regarding the legality of these military operations. Some Democratic and Republican senators have expressed alarm over the potential for escalation into conflict, with calls for greater transparency and congressional oversight of military actions in Venezuela. Senator Chris Van Hollen characterized the seizure as indicative of a misleading narrative regarding U.S. military operations, suggesting that the true aim may be regime change rather than combating drug trafficking.

In light of the seizure, the U.S. government has indicated plans for further interceptions of vessels carrying Venezuelan oil, which could exacerbate the already dire economic situation in Venezuela. The U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on additional tankers linked to Venezuela's state oil company, PDVSA, further complicating the country's economic stability.

As the situation develops, the implications of U.S. military actions in Venezuela remain complex, with ongoing discussions about the potential for increased violence and instability in the region, as well as the humanitarian impact on the Venezuelan populace, who continue to endure significant hardships under the Maduro administration.