US Forces Seize Venezuelan Oil Tanker in Dramatic Show of Force

US forces seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday, in a major escalation of Donald Trump's four-month pressure campaign against the South American country's dictator, Nicolás Maduro. The operation, confirmed by Trump, saw US forces land on the tanker from a helicopter, as shown in footage posted by US Attorney General Pam Bondi on X. According to Bondi, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the US Coast Guard, with support from other agencies, were involved in the operation. The US Attorney General stated in an accompanying statement that the seizure was carried out to prevent the tanker from potentially transporting illicit cargo, but she declined to specify who owned the vessel. Trump also confirmed the seizure, saying, "We've just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, a large tanker, very large, the largest one ever seized actually. It was seized for a very good reason, the US president added, without elaborating further. The Venezuelan government has condemned the seizure as an "act of international piracy," with officials calling it a blatant violation of the country's sovereignty. The incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between the US and Venezuela, which has been under international pressure to address human rights abuses and economic crisis under Maduro's rule. The US has been increasing pressure on Maduro's government since January, when Trump declared Venezuela a national security threat. The US has imposed sanctions on top Venezuelan officials, including Maduro, and has also recognized Juan Guaidó, the leader of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, as the country's interim president. The US has also sent humanitarian aid to the country, which has been struggling with a severe economic crisis and widespread shortages of food and medicine. The international community has been watching the situation in Venezuela closely, with many countries calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The European Union has imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials, while the Organization of American States has condemned Maduro's government for human rights abuses. The United Nations has also called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, with Secretary-General António Guterres urging all parties to engage in dialogue. The current status of the oil tanker and its crew is unclear, with officials from both the US and Venezuela refusing to comment on the matter. The incident is likely to further escalate tensions between the US and Venezuela, with many observers predicting a long and difficult road ahead for the country.