Washington, 11 December 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The United States has seized a tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, in what could mark a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries.

"As you probably know, we've just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela," Trump told reporters at the White House. "Large tanker, very large, – largest one ever seized, actually."

Trump did not provide further details, calling it "an interesting day" and suggesting that additional developments could follow as "other things are happening."

Initially, it was unclear what type of tanker it was and under which flag it was sailing. Several media reports mentioned an oil tanker.

The Trump administration has been building up a fleet of warships near Venezuela in recent weeks, including the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford.

The growing US military presence has fuelled concern that Washington is aiming to push the authoritarian government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro out of power.

In an interview with Politico released on Tuesday, Trump said Maduro's "days are numbered" but said he wouldn't comment on whether US troops could be sent to Venezuela to remove Maduro from office.

The US has carried out multiple airstrikes on speedboats in waters near Venezuela in recent months, with the Trump administration saying they target drug-trafficking operations.

For weeks, Trump has been intensifying the tone and actions against the South American country. Trump has also authorized covert operations by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Venezuela.

Critics say the actions amount to extrajudicial killings in international waters.

Photo: epa