News - Venezuela Denounces US Oil Seizure as 'Piracy Act'

In a heated denunciation, Venezuela has fiercely criticized the United States for seizing an oil tanker off its coast, denouncing it as an 'act of piracy' within what Caracas claims is a broader agenda to destabilize and overthrow the Venezuelan government. This incident, described by the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry as 'theft and hijacking,' reflects rising tensions as the US intensifies actions against Venezuelan oil exports. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry issued a scathing statement on Saturday, accusing the US of executing the 'forced disappearance' of the tanker’s crew in international waters. Caracas framed this event as indicative of a so-called 'colonialist model' purportedly being imposed by Washington, aimed at depleting Venezuela's sovereignty and vast energy reserves. Vowing legal recourse, Venezuela has pledged to seek justice through the UN Security Council and other international bodies. The incident follows an American military operation as announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who stated that the pre-dawn maneuver was part of enforcing restrictions on Venezuelan oil exports. This development is a facet of broader sanctions escalated by President Donald Trump, who recently enacted a complete blockade of 'sanctioned' vessels docking in or departing from Venezuelan ports. President Nicolas Maduro, reiterating his longstanding accusations against the US, alleges Washington’s ultimate goal is the establishment of a 'puppet government' in Venezuela, which would relinquish control over its constitution and resources. Maduro brands these US measures as 'corsair tactics' and decries them as a form of 'diplomacy of barbarism.' Trump has previously linked these tensions to Venezuela's petroleum reserves, alleging the nation 'stole' American energy assets. He ominously warned that unless Caracas complies, it would encounter 'the largest armada ever assembled in South American history.' This unfolding international drama has caught the attention of global powers like Russia and China, both of whom caution that the ongoing US military buildup and recurring vessel seizures could provoke instability beyond the region. Moscow and Beijing are advocating for restraint and a renewed commitment to international law, urging all parties to reconsider actions that may further escalate an already volatile situation.