In a significant escalation of maritime enforcement operations, United States forces have intercepted a second Venezuelan-bound oil tanker within a ten-day period. The latest seizure occurred during pre-dawn hours on December 20th, 2025, according to an official statement from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Secretary Noem confirmed the operation through social media platform X, detailing that the US Coast Guard executed the interception with direct support from the Department of War. The vessel had previously docked in Venezuelan ports before being apprehended in international waters.
This development follows an earlier incident on December 10th when American military forces initially seized another oil tanker navigating near Venezuelan territorial waters. That previous action prompted strong condemnation from Caracas, with Venezuelan officials characterizing the seizure as ‘blatant theft and an act of international piracy.’
The intensified maritime operations align with recent policy declarations from the White House. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his administration’s directive for a comprehensive blockade targeting all US-sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela. In subsequent interviews, the President explicitly stated that additional vessel seizures would continue as part of broader enforcement measures.
These developments occur amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between the United States and Venezuela, reflecting the continuing implementation of economic sanctions against the South American nation’s petroleum industry. The consecutive interdictions demonstrate a determined approach to enforcing these sanctions through military and coast guard assets in Caribbean waters.