US Releases Footage of Seizure of Sanctioned Crude Oil Tanker off Venezuela
The Chronify
US Attorney General Pam Bondi has released operation footage showing American forces seizing a crude oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, in what US officials describe as part of a wider crackdown on sanctioned oil shipments linked to illicit networks.
Bondi shared the video on her X account, stating that the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the US Coast Guard, with support from the Department of War, executed a federal seizure warrant targeting a vessel accused of transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.
According to her statement, the tanker has been under US sanctions for several years due to its alleged role in “an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organisations.” She added that the operation was conducted “safely and securely,” and investigations into the network are ongoing.
Speaking in Washington, US President Donald Trump publicly confirmed the seizure, saying it was done “for a very good reason” and adding, “I assume we’re going to keep the oil,” a remark that immediately drew international attention.
The US has intensified pressure on Venezuela and Iran through targeted sanctions and maritime enforcement, with Washington seeking to disrupt the flow of oil that it says fuels sanctioned activities.
According to her statement, the tanker has been under US sanctions for several years due to its alleged role in “an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organisations.” She added that the operation was conducted “safely and securely,” and investigations into the network are ongoing.
Speaking in Washington, US President Donald Trump publicly confirmed the seizure, saying it was done “for a very good reason” and adding, “I assume we’re going to keep the oil,” a remark that immediately drew international attention.
The US has intensified pressure on Venezuela and Iran through targeted sanctions and maritime enforcement, with Washington seeking to disrupt the flow of oil that it says fuels sanctioned activities.
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