US Seizes Oil Tanker in International Waters Off Venezuela's Coast in Surprise Maritime Operation

The US has seized an oil tanker in international waters off Venezuela's coast, according to the US Department of Homeland Security. The vessel had recently departed from Venezuela and was intercepted by the US Coast Guard in a pre-dawn operation on December 20.

The US Coast Guard, supported by the Department of War, boarded the ship and apprehended its crew. The operation is the second time this month that the US has seized an oil-carrying ship off the Venezuelan coast.

The move comes after US President Donald Trump announced a "blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. Venezuela has not yet responded to the latest US seizure, but has previously accused Washington of seeking to steal its oil resources.

The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared a video of the operation, which appeared to show a specialized tactical team taking control of the vessel. The US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed the seizure, but further details are not immediately available.

This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available. The US Department of Homeland Security has not released the identity of the seized tanker or its crew, and it is unclear what will happen next.