AG Pam Bondi shares video of US troops capturing Venezuelan tanker

U.S. Military Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker

On Wednesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi shared video evidence showing the U.S. military taking control of a Venezuelan oil tanker. This sort of operation hasn’t been seen in over ten years.

The footage depicted agents from the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with the Army and U.S. Coast Guard, identifying the tanker involved in transporting oil that was under sanctions from Venezuela and Iran.

In a dramatic scene, armed personnel in tactical gear descended from a helicopter onto the deck of the ship off Venezuela’s coast, entering with their weapons ready.

Bondi remarked on social media, “This oil tanker has been sanctioned by the United States for several years for its role in an illegal oil transportation network that supports foreign terrorist organizations.” She added that the operation was executed “safely and securely,” while investigations are ongoing with the help of the Department of Homeland Security.

FBI Director Kash Patel expressed determination in a post, stating that the administration’s effort to dismantle foreign terrorist organizations and cut off their resources would persist tirelessly.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the commitment to national security: “If you threaten our country or break our laws, there’s no place—on land or sea—we won’t find you. Thanks to our brave service members.”

At the White House, President Donald Trump claimed the tanker is the “largest ship ever seized,” hinting at more developments to come.

Interestingly, 15% of the U.S. naval fleet is reportedly stationed in the Caribbean, though the exact percentage of naval assets in the area is not clear.

Last publicized reports of the U.S. military seizing an oil tanker went back to 2014. During that operation, Navy SEALs intercepted a previously seized ship in Libya, which was being manned by armed individuals attempting to sell Libyan oil on the black market. The operation, ordered by then-President Barack Obama, resulted in no casualties.

This recent action could further complicate U.S.-Venezuelan relations, which already suffer from intense sanctions against Maduro’s government. The current administration is contemplating ground strikes to put additional pressure on Maduro, viewed by the U.S. as an illegitimate leader following unsuccessful negotiations.