The United States has seized a Venezuelan oil tanker, sending a “strong signal” to President Nicolás Maduro amid growing tensions in the region, according to Rick Crawford, chair of the House and Select Committee on Intelligence. The seizure follows a series of U.S. strikes targeting reported drug cartel vessels off the Venezuelan coast.

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U.S. Political and Military Pressure on Venezuela

“This is an ongoing action against, really, an illegal regime,” Crawford, a Republican from Arkansas, told Elizabeth Vargas Reports on Wednesday.

Crawford emphasized that the operation is designed to pressure Maduro to step down and allow the installation of Venezuela’s legitimately elected leader, María Corina Machado, who received the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this week.

“This is a pretty strong signal to Maduro; it’s time for him to wave the white flag and look for a way out,” Crawford added.

President Donald Trump has ordered a significant U.S. military buildup in the region, including:

• Aircraft carriers
• Fighter jets
• Tens of thousands of troops

These measures reinforce Washington’s determination to target Maduro’s regime and increase pressure on Venezuela’s primary revenue source: oil exports.

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Details of the Tanker Seizure

Three anonymous U.S. officials told Reuters that the seizure operation was led by the U.S. Coast Guard. While the tanker’s flag and precise location of interdiction have not been officially confirmed, British maritime risk management firm Vanguard identified the vessel as the Skipper, reportedly seized off the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday.

The tanker was sanctioned by the United States for its past involvement in Iranian oil trading under its previous name, Adisa.

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Implications for Venezuelan Politics

Rick Crawford suggested that the seizure is part of broader U.S. efforts to encourage Maduro’s departure:

“I think President Trump is willing to give him enough grace to leave on his own and go ahead and install the legitimately elected leader,” Crawford said.

The operation is part of a pattern of U.S. measures designed to undermine Maduro’s grip on power, including military deployments, sanctions, and targeted actions against Venezuelan oil shipments.

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Conclusion

The seizure of the oil tanker represents both a geopolitical and economic message to Nicolás Maduro. With growing international attention and increasing U.S. pressure, Venezuela’s political landscape remains highly unstable. Analysts suggest that ongoing actions against Maduro’s regime, including sanctions and military operations, could shape the country’s future leadership in the months ahead.