The oil tanker seized by the United States off the coast of Venezuela was destined for Cuba, according to a source consulted by CNN.
Donald Trump confirmed the seizure, saying it was made for a “very good reason”, but did not give further details. The American government also did not provide further information about the ship or the operation.
“We just seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela — a big, very big oil tanker, the biggest ever seized, in fact. And other things are happening — you’ll see that later and talk about it with other people,”
American officials told Reuters news agency that
A action was taken amid a massive US military buildup in the Caribbean, including sending the world’s largest aircraft carrier, fighter jets and tens of thousands of troops.
Venezuela exported more than 900,000 barrels of oil per day last month, the third highest monthly average of the year so far. Even with growing pressure on Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, Washington has not interfered in the country’s oil flow.
Oil exports are Venezuela’s main source of income.
