U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuela’s Coast as Caracas Accuses Washington of Piracy
World
The United States has seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela in an operation led by the Coast Guard with support from the Navy. The move triggered a sharp response from Caracas, which accused Washington of attempting to seize the country’s natural resources.
President Donald Trump said the tanker had been “under sanctions for many years” and was part of an illegal oil transport network supporting foreign terrorist organizations. He offered few details about the operation, noting only the large size of the vessel.
Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry condemned the seizure as “robbery” and an “act of international piracy.” The ministry stated that the true motives of U.S. aggression “have nothing to do with migration, drug trafficking, democracy or human rights,” but are rooted in the desire to control Venezuela’s energy resources.
Washington, meanwhile, accuses Caracas of failing to combat drug trafficking. Since September, the U.S. has launched missile strikes in the Caribbean against Venezuelan maritime vessels allegedly transporting narcotics. More than 80 people have been killed in these strikes, prompting concern in the U.S. Congress.
Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry condemned the seizure as “robbery” and an “act of international piracy.” The ministry stated that the true motives of U.S. aggression “have nothing to do with migration, drug trafficking, democracy or human rights,” but are rooted in the desire to control Venezuela’s energy resources.
Washington, meanwhile, accuses Caracas of failing to combat drug trafficking. Since September, the U.S. has launched missile strikes in the Caribbean against Venezuelan maritime vessels allegedly transporting narcotics. More than 80 people have been killed in these strikes, prompting concern in the U.S. Congress.
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