US Apprehends Venezuela-Linked Tanker In Caribbean Over ‘Illicit’ Oil Trade

Last Updated:December 21, 2025, 06:59 IST

US said the Venezuelan tanker was stopped as part of efforts to curb the illegal movement of sanctioned oil used to fund narco-terrorism in the region.

US Seizes Venezuela-Linked Oil Tanker in Caribbean. (Representative Image)

The United States has intercepted an oil tanker that was last docked in Venezuela, according to US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. On Sunday, Noem said the operation was carried out before dawn on December 20 by the US Coast Guard with support from the Department of War.

She said the tanker was stopped as part of efforts to curb the illegal movement of sanctioned oil. According to Noem, such oil is used to fund narco-terrorism in the region.

“In a pre-dawn action early this morning on Dec. 20, the US Coast Guard with the support of the Department of War apprehended an oil tanker that was last docked in Venezuela. The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund narco terrorism in the region. We will find you, and we will stop you," reads her post on X.

In a pre-dawn action early this morning on Dec. 20, the US Coast Guard with the support of the Department of War apprehended an oil tanker that was last docked in Venezuela. The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund… pic.twitter.com/nSZ4mi6axc— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) December 20, 2025

This was the second such interception near Venezuela in recent weeks and comes amid a growing US military presence in the region.

News world US Apprehends Venezuela-Linked Tanker In Caribbean Over ‘Illicit’ Oil Trade

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