US confirms seizure of second oil vessel off Venezuela coast

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 75% complete December 20, 2025 at 09:26 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

The United States seized a second oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, as confirmed by US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on December 20, 2025. The US Coast Guard, with Pentagon support, apprehended the vessel, citing the illicit movement of sanctioned oil used to fund narco-terrorism. This action follows President Trump's announcement of a blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers and a recent military buildup in the region, increasing pressure on President Maduro. Since the first seizure last week, Venezuelan crude exports have sharply declined, with many vessels remaining in Venezuelan waters to avoid potential seizure. The US actions aim to stem the flow of drugs and potentially influence regime change in Venezuela.

Keywords

oil tanker seizure 100% venezuela 90% us sanctions 80% oil exports 70% illicit movement of oil 60% us coast guard 50% narco terrorism 50% military buildup 40% regime change 40%

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Al Jazeera

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oil tanker seizure venezuela us sanctions oil exports illicit movement of oil us coast guard narco terrorism military buildup regime change

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