Venezuela has accused the United States of committing 'international piracy' after U.S. forces seized a Venezuelan oil tanker in international waters. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said the U.S. military 'stole and hijacked' the vessel and detained its crew, calling the move a serious violation of international law. Caracas announced plans to raise the issue before the United Nations Security Council and other multilateral bodies.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed the seizure through Secretary Kristi Noem, who stated on social media that the operation—conducted with support from the Coast Guard and Pentagon—was part of efforts to curb the illicit movement of oil funding narcoterrorism in the region. Washington has long imposed sanctions on Venezuela’s oil exports, citing links to corruption and criminal networks.

The incident risks escalating tensions between the two nations, already strained by years of sanctions and diplomatic isolation. Analysts expect the dispute to test international maritime law and could influence future negotiations over Venezuela’s oil trade and U.S. enforcement actions in Latin American waters.