Venezuela-US Tensions Escalate After Oil Tanker Seizure

Tensions between Venezuela and the United States have intensified following the U.S. seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast. The incident has led to a sharp decline in Venezuelan oil exports, raising concerns about broader regional implications. The seized Skipper tanker, captured on Wednesday, is reportedly heading to Houston, where its cargo will be transferred to smaller vessels. This marks the first seizure of Venezuelan oil cargo since sanctions were imposed in 2019. President Donald Trump has hinted at imminent military strikes on Venezuela to intercept alleged narcotics shipments, further escalating the situation. The U.S. has also imposed new sanctions on relatives of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and tankers linked to them. The crisis has already impacted Cuba, which relies on Venezuelan oil for its power grid. Venezuela has condemned the seizure as 'international piracy,' vowing to file complaints with international bodies.