The United States seized a crude oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela in a dramatic airborne raid, intensifying tensions between Washington and Caracas.

The operation took place in international waters in the Caribbean Sea, where U.S. Coast Guard and military teams arrived by helicopter. Video released by U.S. officials shows armed personnel fast-roping from helicopters onto the deck of the tanker before taking control of the vessel. The Justice Department confirmed that a federal seizure warrant was executed against the ship.

President Donald Trump said, “We’ve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela, a large tanker, very large, largest one ever seized, actually.” When asked about the future of the oil on board, he adds, “Well, we keep it, I guess.”

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the tanker is a part of an “illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organisations.” She also shared footage of the airborne raid, highlighting how U.S. forces secured the vessel from the air.

Officials stated that the ship has been under long-term sanctions and accused it of transporting crude oil in violation of U.S. laws. Authorities said the airborne operation ensured control of the vessel without confrontation at sea.

The Venezuelan government strongly condemned the action. Caracas called the seizure “blatant theft” and labelled the U.S. raid as an “act of international piracy.” Venezuelan officials said the United States violated the country’s sovereignty and vowed to raise the issue before international bodies.

The United States defended the action as necessary for enforcing sanctions, while Venezuela argued that the raid was illegal and politically motivated. The incident raised pressure in an already tensed relationship between the two countries, and global markets briefly reacted to the sudden escalation around Venezuelan oil transport.

U.S. officials justified the operation as part of sanctions enforcement, while Venezuela condemned it as theft and piracy. The event deepened political tensions and showed how oil and sanctions continue to shape conflict between Washington and Caracas.

The US now has the largest military in the region in decades. Of late, the Trump administration has launched a series of strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.