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Venezuela Accuses U.S. of “Piracy” Following Oil Tanker Confiscations
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Updated December 22,2025,11:38:39 AM EST
Overview
On december 21,2025,the Venezuelan government announced the departure of the oil tanker Canopus Voyager,carrying crude oil to the United States,amidst escalating tensions with Washington. This follows the confiscation of two oil tankers in the Caribbean Sea and an alleged ongoing pursuit of a third vessel. Venezuelan officials have condemned these actions as “piracy by privateers,” accusing the U.S. of aggressive tactics ranging from psychological warfare to the seizure of oil shipments. The events unfold against a backdrop of complex U.S.-Venezuela relations, marked by sanctions and political disputes.
details of the Incident
According to Venezuelan Vice President and Minister of Hydrocarbons Delcy Rodríguez, the Canopus Voyager departed Venezuela “in strict adherence to the rules and in compliance with the contracts signed with the American company Chevron.” This shipment occurred while the Venezuelan government alleges the U.S. is actively pursuing a third oil tanker. The Venezuelan government claims to have been “denouncing, confronting and defeating a campaign of aggression” for 25 weeks, encompassing psychological tactics and the seizure of oil tankers.
The specific details of the confiscated tankers – their names, cargo volumes, and the legal justification for the seizures – remain contested. Venezuela asserts the confiscations constitute illegal acts of piracy. The U.S. government has not yet issued a complete public statement detailing the rationale behind the seizures as of December 22, 2025.
Background: U.S.-Venezuela Relations
U.S.-Venezuela relations have been strained for years, particularly since the presidency of Hugo Chávez (1999-2013) and continuing under Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. has imposed numerous sanctions on Venezuela, targeting government officials, state-owned oil company PDVSA, and the Venezuelan economy, citing concerns over human rights abuses, corruption, and undemocratic practices. Venezuela, in turn, accuses the U.S. of interference in its internal affairs and attempts to destabilize the country.
The oil industry is central to Venezuela’s economy. Sanctions have considerably hampered Venezuela’s oil production and exports, contributing to a severe economic crisis. Chevron has been granted limited licenses by the U.S. Treasury Department to operate in Venezuela, allowing it to resume limited oil extraction activities under specific conditions. This arrangement highlights the complex interplay between sanctions enforcement and U.S. energy interests.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2017 | U.S. imposes sanctions on Venezuelan officials following the establishment of the Constituent Assembly. |
| 2019 | U.S. recognizes Juan Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela. |
| 2020 | U.S
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