The United States on Saturday seized another oil tanker that was last docked in Venezuela, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The US Coast Guard seized the vessel in the early hours of the morning with support from the Department of Defense, the US official said on social media X.
"The United States will continue to pursue the movement of illicit oil used to fund narco-terrorism in the region," Noem said.
"We will find you and we will stop you," he added.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Venezuelan authorities viewed the seizure of the tanker by US personnel as "robbery and kidnapping."
While emphasizing that there will be retaliation for these actions, Venezuelan authorities confirmed that they will take further steps, such as reporting to the United Nations Security Council (UN) and other multilateral bodies.
The incident took place amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas.
US President Donald Trump previously declared a "complete blockade" of all sanctioned tankers from entering or leaving Venezuelan territory.
Tensions escalated on December 10, when US forces seized a tanker near the Venezuelan coast. The Venezuelan government condemned the act as "international piracy."
Washington argued that their steps were to combat corruption and drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, Caracas has accused the US of using the drug war as a cover for its efforts to oust President Nicolas Maduro and seize Venezuela's oil resources.
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