On December 12, U.S. authorities seized the M/T Skipper near the coast of Venezuela, just as a court-issued warrant was about to expire. This operation marks a significant move in enforcing U.S. sanctions against Venezuelan oil exports, which have been in place since 2019. The warrant, signed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui on November 26, allowed the government until December 10, 2025, for the vessel’s seizure.
The Skipper, which departed from Venezuela’s José oil port after loading approximately 1.8 million barrels of Merey heavy crude, has been accused of being involved in transporting sanctioned oil from both Venezuela and Iran. FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted that this seizure illustrates the U.S.’s commitment to imposing consequences on both the Venezuelan and Iranian governments. Additionally, sources indicated that the U.S. plans to intercept more ships linked to Venezuelan oil shipments.
The seizure, met with condemnation from Venezuela, adds to the increasing tensions between Washington and Caracas. U.S. actions in the region have previously included strikes against purported drug vessels, drawing criticism from legal experts and lawmakers. As military forces are mobilized in the Southern Caribbean, President Donald Trump has hinted at potential military intervention in Venezuela.
