US sanctions six more ships after seizing oil tanker off Venezuela

December 11, 2025

The United States has significantly escalated its pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by seizing a tanker called the Skipper off Venezuela's coast and imposing sanctions on six additional vessels allegedly transporting Venezuelan oil. The US Treasury Department has also sanctioned three nephews of Maduro's wife and various businesses connected to what Washington characterizes as an illegitimate regime, with officials claiming these measures target illicit oil shipping and narco-terrorism. Venezuela has condemned the seizure as "international piracy" and accused the US of attempting to steal its oil resources, while Maduro vowed his country would not become an "oil colony.

Who is affected

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his regime
Three nephews of Maduro's wife (sanctioned)
Crew members of the Skipper tanker
Businesses associated with Maduro's government
Six additional ship operators carrying Venezuelan oil
US military personnel involved in the operation
Hezbollah and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (previously alleged beneficiaries)

What action is being taken

The US has seized the tanker Skipper and is taking it to an American port
The US is imposing sanctions on six more vessels allegedly carrying Venezuelan oil
The US Treasury Department is sanctioning businesses and individuals connected to Maduro's regime
US warships are moving into the Caribbean region
American soldiers are conducting strikes on boats alleged to be carrying drugs from Venezuela
The US is conducting the necessary legal process to seize oil aboard the Skipper
Russian President Putin is offering Moscow's support to Venezuela

Why it matters

This represents a sharp escalation in US-Venezuela tensions that could destabilize the region and impact global oil markets, as Venezuela holds some of the world's largest proven oil reserves. The confrontation highlights the broader geopolitical struggle between the US and regimes it considers illegitimate, with implications for international maritime law and sovereignty. The involvement of Russia adds another dimension to the conflict, potentially drawing in competing global powers. The escalation has already resulted in dozens of deaths and threatens further military confrontation in the Caribbean.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC