Venezuela has sharply denounced the United States for what it describes as an act of “international piracy,” after Washington seized a Venezuelan oil tanker near the country’s territorial waters.

Caracas is now appealing to the international community to reject what it calls a blatant act of aggression and theft aimed at undermining Venezuela’s sovereignty and economic stability.

In a strongly worded statement issued Wednesday, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry condemned the seizure as a “vandalistic, illegal, and unprecedented aggression” that seeks to legitimize looting under the pretext of sanctions enforcement.

“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela strongly denounces and condemns what constitutes a blatant theft and an act of international piracy,” the statement read. “Venezuela calls on all Venezuelans to stand firm in defense of the homeland and urges the international community to reject this aggression that seeks to normalize itself as a tool of pressure and plunder.”

Trump Confirms Operation; Bondi Cites Sanctions

US President Donald Trump confirmed the capture of the tanker, describing it as the “largest” ever seized and hinting at additional undisclosed developments. US Attorney General Pam Bondi later stated that the mission targeted a vessel allegedly transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.

The operation, carried out off Venezuela’s coast, involved the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the US Coast Guard, with support from the Department of War.

Caracas Vows International Legal Action

Venezuela’s government said the incident is part of a broader US strategy to plunder the country’s natural resources and destabilize its economy through coercive measures. It accused Washington of escalating its campaign against Venezuela’s oil sector — the backbone of the national economy.

Caracas emphasized that Trump’s public admission of the tanker’s seizure further validates claims of deliberate aggression.

“Venezuela will appeal to all existing international institutions to denounce this serious international crime and will defend its sovereignty, natural resources, and national dignity with absolute determination,” the Foreign Ministry said.

Rising Tensions at Sea Amid US Military Build-Up

The tanker seizure comes amid a significant US military build-up in the region, including the deployment of an aircraft carrier, fighter jets, and tens of thousands of troops. Analysts warn that the interdiction could signal a shift toward more aggressive efforts to cripple Venezuela’s oil exports.

Three US officials, speaking anonymously to Reuters, confirmed that the operation was conducted by the US Coast Guard but did not disclose the vessel’s name, flag, or precise location.

Vanguard, a British maritime risk consultancy, said it believed the seized tanker was the Skipper, formerly known as the Adisa, previously sanctioned by Washington for its alleged involvement in Iranian oil shipments.

Oil Markets React

Oil prices rose following reports of the seizure. Brent crude closed up 27 cents, or 0.4%, at $62.21 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate gained 21 cents, finishing at $58.46.

The incident is expected to heighten geopolitical tensions in the Caribbean and intensify global scrutiny of Washington’s unilateral sanctions campaign. (ILKHA)