Venezuela Cries "Piracy" Over U.S. Seizure of Giant Oil Tanker

Venezuela has accused the United States of "piracy" and "blatant theft." The charge follows a U.S. government operation that seized a massive oil tanker. The vessel was carrying crude oil off the coast of Venezuela. It was targeted because it is under international sanctions. These sanctions are meant to limit Venezuela's oil exports. In a joint operation, U.S. authorities took control of the tanker. Venezuela's government condemned the move immediately. Officials called it an illegal act of aggression. The incident further strains relations between the two nations. The U.S. has imposed strict sanctions on Venezuela's key oil industry. Venezuela views these measures as an economic attack. The seized tanker was transporting sanctioned Venezuelan crude. Such enforcement actions are rare but highlight ongoing economic tensions.