The U.S. military has seized an oil tanker off of Venezuela’s coast, President Donald Trump told reporters Wednesday as his administration continues to escalate its military presence in the region.
“As you probably know, we’ve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela,” Trump said. “Large tanker, very large, largest one ever seized actually.”
Trump did not provide details on the matter but said that it was an “interesting day.” He also hinted that more developments may unfold on the matter as “other things are happening.”
News of the seizure comes after Trump told Politico that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s “days are numbered.” Trump also declined to comment on whether the U.S. could send troops to the country during the interview, which published Tuesday.
His administration has built up its military force in the region over the last month, including sending the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to the Caribbean last month. The vessel is host to squadrons of fighter jets and guided-missile destroyers.
The U.S. has targeted drug cartels operating vessels in the Caribbean since September. Trump has justified the strikes by characterizing the U.S. as being in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels and describing the boats as being operated by foreign terrorist organizations.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
