US Seizes venezuelan oil tankers
By: Max. Full Video here: https://youtu.be/P6Gcy5StkBQ
December 21, 2025*
The United States has escalated its economic blockade against Venezuela by seizing a second oil tanker in two days, targeting the regime's primary revenue source. On December 20, U.S. Coast Guard vessels, backed by Navy destroyers, boarded the Panama-flagged supertanker MT *Centuries* off La Guaira, detaining its 25-member crew and securing 1.7 million barrels of heavy crude headed for an Asian buyer.
This action under "Operation Southern Spear" follows a similar interception on December 18 and stems from 2019 sanctions expanded by the Trump administration. Officials accuse the oil sales of funding narcotics trafficking that sustains President Nicolás Maduro's government, which relies on petroleum for 90% of its income.
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated the blockade will continue until Venezuela returns American oil fields seized in 2007. "This enforces sanctions to safeguard hemispheric security," Hegseth said. A 200-mile exclusion zone around Venezuelan waters allows U.S. forces to inspect all tankers.
Coordinated Naval and Air Operation
The 900-foot *Centuries*, crewed mainly by Filipino and Indian nationals, was boarded without incident and is headed to a U.S. port for forfeiture. Coast Guard Legend-class cutters—418 feet long with 57mm guns and 40-knot inflatables—led the intercept, supported by the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS *Carney*. Its Aegis radar tracks 100 targets up to 200 miles at 30 knots, integrating with launchers for SM-6 missiles (150-mile range) or Tomahawks.
Aerial assets ensured control: F-35C jets from the USS *Gerald R. Ford* carrier group patrolled at 30,000 feet, achieving Mach 1.6 speeds with AN/APG-81 radars scanning 150 miles. MH-60R Seahawks provided close support at 170 mph with Hellfire missiles. Drones like MQ-9 Reapers (27-hour endurance) and RQ-4 Global Hawks (60,000-foot altitude) supplied real-time surveillance, creating a seamless network.
Venezuelan Backlash and U.S. Stance
Maduro decried the seizure as "economic piracy," pledging naval escorts from a fleet hampered by sanctions—Russian Kilo-class subs and Lupo-class frigates mostly idle in Puerto Cabello due to fuel shortages. No units intervened, as the crew complied upon contact. Maduro threatens asymmetric tactics like boat swarms, but analysts view Venezuela's navy as ineffective against U.S. superiority.
President Trump, on December 19, left military options open in this "narcotrafficking cleanup," post-strikes killing over 100 cartel suspects. Hegseth links it to drug routes into the U.S. Caracas invokes UNCLOS for international waters violations; Washington cites sanctions. UN talks ended December 18, worsening humanitarian woes with stalled food imports.
Escalation Risks and Wider Effects
Potential flashpoints include a Venezuelan frigate challenging a convoy, prompting U.S. warning shots and jamming from P-8 aircraft, or GPS disruptions from jammers causing boarding mishaps and flight diversions. An FAA alert on December 20 noted aviation risks near the Windward Passage.
Impacts ripple outward: Taiwan worries about chip supply chains; CARICOM splits, with Trinidad backing Washington and Jamaica seeking talks. Venezuela's 120,000 troops face outdated gear—grounded Su-30s and leaky subs—yielding quick U.S. air-sea dominance but risky jungle guerrilla resistance if invaded.
With low casualties so far, the crisis balances de-escalation and broader conflict, threatening energy markets and stability. Observers urge diplomacy to prevent catastrophe.