The Trump administration seized the U.S.-flagged tanker “Alamo” off Venezuela’s coast on Wednesday, marking the largest hijack in history as tensions with Caracas rise.
Largest Tanker Seized Off Venezuelan Coast
The U.S. seized a massive tanker off the coast of Venezuela, the largest vessel ever intercepted by the administration. President Trump announced the move to reporters in Washington, noting it occurs amid rising U.S.–Caracas tensions.
Escalating U.S.–Venezuela Tensions
Since September, U.S. Navy attacks on suspected Venezuelan drug smugglers in the Caribbean and Pacific have increased, with over 20 strikes and at least 83 casualties. President Trump vowed that a possible ground intervention could happen “soon.”
Several days earlier, a bipartisan group of senators passed a resolution that could block any U.S. military action in Venezuela without congressional approval, prioritizing the resolution over other votes.
Maduro’s Call for Dialogue with Trump
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro confirmed a phone conversation with Donald Trump, describing it as “full of respect” and “warm.” He stated that if the dialogue is a starting point, Venezuela welcomes it and will pursue peace.
Trump’s Comments on Military Action
In a Monday interview with Politico, Trump said the Venezuelan leaders are “counted” and that he does not want to discuss military strategy. He added that he wants Venezuelans, many of whom live in the United States, to be treated well and that 94 percent of them voted for him.
