US EditionSeized tanker will go to U.S. port, Trump administration intends 'to seize the oil'
The U.S. Coast Guard and Marines seized the Skipper tanker carrying about 1.8 million barrels of sanctioned oil worth around $100 million, targeting illicit oil trade networks.
- On Dec. 10, 2025, U.S. forces abseiled onto an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast during a raid, and President Donald Trump said, `Well, we keep it, I guess.`
- Attorney General Pam Bondi said the vessel had long been sanctioned for illicit shipping, citing its involvement in an illicit oil‑shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations, while the Department of Justice secured a warrant as it was a sanctioned shadow vessel.
- Analysts say the tanker Skipper carried 1.1 million barrels and appeared bound for Cuba, but Guyana Maritime Administration Department said Wednesday it was not registered there.
- Bob McNally said `there's a civil asset forfeiture process` and expects it to be followed in this case, referencing the 2024 sale of seized Iranian oil generating $47 million.
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Dec. 11 the tanker is under forfeiture and evidence is being collected, while Bondi wrote, "Our investigation alongside the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the transport of sanctioned oil continues.
182 Articles
182 Articles
Helena Independent Record
US forces seize tanker off coast of Venezuela
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Wednesday the United States seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela as tensions mount with the government of President Nicolás Maduro.
‘He Really Thinks We’re Stupid’: Trump’s Dim-Witted Answer Sets Off Outrage and Critics Say He Just Revealed the Real Plan Behind His So-Called Mission
President Donald Trump may have meant nothing by it — just another tossed-off comment — but the moment the words came out his mouth, people online said they heard a slip far too revealing to ignore. Within hours, the administration’s public justification for its latest operation was being openly questioned, with critics insisting Trump’s loose, unguarded phrasing exposed motives the White House has spent months trying to dress up. U.S. President…
Seized oil tanker Skipper only the tip of the clandestine iceberg
The VLCC Skipper, seized by the US Coast Guard under a court warrant, with the assistance of two helicopters from the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, with US Marines carrying out the takeover of the ship, was a legal seizure under US and international law, despite statements by some US Congressmen and by foreign […] The post Seized oil tanker Skipper only the tip of the clandestine iceberg appeared first on Asia Times.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
