The United States has seized a second oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela in international waters, enforcing a blockade ordered by President Donald Trump as part of a pressure campaign against the Venezuelan government.
The operation occurred in the pre-dawn hours of December 20, 2025, when U.S. Coast Guard personnel, supported by the Department of War, boarded and apprehended the Panamanian-flagged tanker Centuries. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared a video of the seizure on social media, stating that the vessel had last docked in Venezuela and was involved in the illicit movement of sanctioned oil.
This seizure follows President Trump’s announcement on December 17 of a “total and complete blockade” on all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. The move is aimed at curtailing the Maduro regime’s ability to use oil revenues, which the U.S. alleges fund narco-terrorism and other criminal activities in the region.
The Venezuelan government has vehemently condemned the action, labeling it as “theft and kidnapping” and a violation of international law. In a statement, officials vowed to file a complaint with the United Nations Security Council and seek support from other multilateral agencies and governments worldwide.
This is the second such interdiction in recent weeks; earlier in December, U.S. forces seized another oil tanker believed to be part of a “ghost fleet” used to evade sanctions. Both operations suggest a coordinated enforcement campaign rather than isolated incidents, as confirmed by U.S. officials.
The U.S. justifies these actions by accusing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a designated terrorist organization, the Cartel de los Soles, which allegedly uses stolen oil to finance drug trafficking, human trafficking, and violence. The Trump administration has ramped up military presence in the Caribbean, conducting deadly strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats.
Broader context includes Venezuela’s heavy reliance on oil exports, given its vast reserves, and the ongoing political and economic crisis under Maduro’s rule. The U.S. campaign adds to the pressure, with potential implications for regional stability and international oil markets.
Looking ahead, the U.S. has indicated that it will continue maritime interdiction operations to dismantle illicit networks. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that violence and drugs will not control the Western Hemisphere, signaling sustained enforcement.
The situation remains tense, with Venezuela threatening retaliation and the international community watching closely. The seizures underscore the escalating confrontation between the U.S. and Venezuela, with diplomatic and military ramifications likely to unfold in the coming days.
