US Plans to Seize Venezuelan Oil Tankers and Their Cargo: Trump

The United States is planning to seize both Venezuelan oil tankers captured in international waters and the crude oil being transported by them. This was announced by US President Donald Trump in a conversation with reporters in Palm Beach, Florida.

“We will keep it for ourselves. Perhaps we will sell it, perhaps we will keep it, or perhaps we will use it for strategic reserves,” he stated, as quoted by CNBC. Trump has instructed to block tankers under sanctions that are entering or exiting Venezuela.

On December 10, the US seized a large tanker carrying more than 1 million barrels of oil. Over the past weekend, another tanker was also seized by US authorities. On December 22, Trump confirmed that the US is pursuing a third tanker, which according to various reports has also been seized.

Trump was also asked whether his ultimate goal is to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from office. He noted that Maduro resigning would be a “sensible” move.