US seizes second oil tanker off Venezuelan coast as naval blockade expands

The United States on December 20 seized a second oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast, according to U.S. officials. The Department of Homeland Security released footage showing helicopters landing on a vessel that authorities say last docked in Venezuela. The seizure comes days after President Donald Trump imposed a “naval blockade” targeting sanctioned oil shipments linked to Caracas. U.S. officials said the operation was conducted with the Coast Guard under Operation Southern Spear to curb illicit oil trade. Venezuela has condemned the seizure, calling it an act of piracy and blatant theft.