The news, initially reported by Bloomberg and later confirmed by President Donald Trump, shows that the extensive U.S. naval deployment in the Caribbean —the largest in decades— has a more active purpose than mere deterrence.
Trump highlighted the operation during a public address, emphasizing its significance: "It's been an interesting day in terms of news. As you probably know, we just seized a tanker off the coast of Venezuela. In fact, the largest one ever seized. And other things are happening," he stated without being prompted by a question.
According to U.S. authorities, the seizure corresponds to a judicial enforcement action on a flagless vessel, whose last recorded stop was in Venezuela. This ship would be subject to the sanctions regime imposed by Washington in recent months, along with other vessels currently under surveillance in nearby waters.