Venezuela condemns U.S. government as "piracy" after oil tanker seizure

CARACAS, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Venezuelan government on Thursday condemned the United States' seizure of a giant oil tanker off its coast, calling the move "a blatant theft and an act of international piracy."

The sharp denunciation follows U.S. President Donald Trump's confirmation of the military action on Wednesday. He told reporters the vessel was "very large, the largest one ever seized," and justified it for a "very good reason." U.S. officials stated the tanker was involved in transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.

In a related escalation, the United States imposed new sanctions on Thursday targeting three nephews of Venezuelan first lady Cilia Flores, as well as six crude oil tankers and related shipping companies, ramping up pressure on Caracas.

The tanker seizure and new sanctions form a dual economic and military thrust in Washington's protracted campaign to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power. Maduro vowed that Venezuela would never become an "oil colony." His government consistently accuses Washington of attempting to steal the country's vast natural resources.

Brent crude prices inched higher on Wednesday as news of the seizure stoked short-term supply concerns. Analysts warn the move could threaten shippers and further disrupt Venezuela's oil exports.

The seizure was the first of a Venezuelan oil cargo under U.S. sanctions that have been in effect since 2019. It is the Trump administration's first known act against a Venezuela-related tanker since he ordered a massive military buildup in the region.

Trump has frequently suggested the potential for military intervention in Venezuela, alleging that the country facilitates drug trafficking into the United States. To date, the United States has conducted over 20 strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels, a practice that has drawn criticism from both legislators and legal experts.

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Maduro on Thursday, expressing solidarity with the Venezuelan people and reaffirming his support for the Maduro government's policy of safeguarding national interests and sovereignty amid mounting external pressure.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday criticized Trump for advocating a "law of the strongest" in international politics after a recent phone call between the two leaders on regional tensions.

"The unilateralism that President Trump wants is one in which the strongest dictates what others must do," Lula said during an event in Minas Gerais state. The conversation was part of Brazil's effort to act as an intermediary amid rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela, as well as other Latin American countries. ■