US Tanker Seizure Sparks Venezuela Piracy Outcry

Venezuela has condemned the United States for what it calls international piracy after US forces seized a large crude carrier, the Skipper, in a sanctions enforcement operation off its coast. Washington says the ship was linked to illicit oil trading involving Iran and Hezbollah.

The operation, part of Southern Spear, has intensified tensions between the two countries and contributed to a rise in global oil prices. Venezuela accuses the US of attacking its sovereignty and stealing national resources.