Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Dec 21: US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Saturday that American forces intercepted and seized an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast earlier in the day, marking another step in Washington’s intensifying pressure on Caracas.

In a post on social media platform X, Noem said the operation took place before dawn on December 20, with the US Coast Guard, supported by the Department of Defense, detaining a tanker that had most recently been docked in Venezuela.

The latest action follows a similar seizure on December 10, which drew sharp condemnation from the Venezuelan government. Caracas described that move as an unlawful act, accusing the United States of engaging in international piracy, according to reports.

US President Donald Trump has since ordered what he termed a comprehensive blockade of oil tankers under US sanctions that are traveling to and from Venezuela. He has also indicated that further seizures would continue as part of the strategy.

In an extended social media statement, Trump claimed Venezuela was now encircled by an unprecedented naval presence in South America and warned that pressure would intensify unless oil, land, and other assets he said were taken from the United States were returned. He formally declared a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.

The Venezuelan government swiftly rejected Trump’s remarks, calling them a dangerous and irresponsible threat. In an official statement, Caracas argued that the proposed blockade violates international law, free trade principles, and freedom of navigation.

Venezuela accused Washington of attempting to impose an unjustified naval blockade with the aim of seizing the country’s natural resources, warning that such actions further escalate regional and international tensions.