The United States has taken control of an oil tanker near the Venezuelan coastline, a move that signals a significant intensification of Washington’s pressure strategy against the Maduro government.
President Donald Trump acknowledged the operation on Wednesday, describing it as “the largest ever” and hinting that “more is underway,” though he offered almost no additional specifics.
According to U.S. officials, the Coast Guard conducted the interdiction but declined to disclose the ship’s identity, its registration, or the precise location where it was intercepted. Shortly afterward, maritime analysis firm Vanguard identified the vessel as the Skipper—formerly known as the Adisa—which had previously been sanctioned by the U.S. for transporting Iranian oil.
Data reviewed by TankerTrackers.com showed that the Skipper had recently left the Venezuelan port of Jose after loading Merey heavy crude between December 4 and 5.
This operation is the first publicly known seizure of an oil tanker since Trump authorized an expanded U.S. military deployment in the region earlier this year, a mission that has included actions against suspected drug-smuggling vessels.
