Trump’s bold seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker has sent shockwaves through the Caribbean, exposing the operations of Nicolás Maduro’s “shadow fleet” and driving the desperate regime to retaliate against its regional neighbors. On December 10, US forces boarded the sanctioned tanker Skipper carrying nearly 2 million barrels of Venezuelan crude, the first such seizure. In a fit of rage, Venezuela immediately canceled all gas deals with Trinidad and Tobago, whom Maduro baselessly accused of complicity. This dramatic escalation signals a new phase of pressure on the oil smuggling network that helps Caracas, Tehran, and Moscow circumvent international sanctions.
Story Highlights
- US forces seized the sanctioned oil tanker *Skipper* carrying 1.8-2 million barrels of Venezuelan crude in international waters
- Venezuela accused Trinidad and Tobago of complicity and immediately canceled all natural gas supply agreements
- The Trump administration linked the seizure to anti-drug efforts targeting Maduro’s narcoterrorism network
- The operation signals escalating pressure on 30+ sanctioned vessels in Venezuela’s shadow fleet
Trump Strikes Maduro’s Oil Smuggling Network
On December 10, 2025, US Coast Guard, Marines, FBI, and DHS agents boarded the sanctioned oil tanker *Skipper* in international waters between Grenada and Trinidad. The vessel carried approximately 1.8-2 million barrels of Venezuelan crude oil from state company PDVSA, representing the first US seizure of a Venezuelan-departing tanker. Trump confirmed the seizure and declared America would keep both the ship and its valuable cargo, dealing a direct blow to Maduro’s revenue streams.
The seizure occurred on the final day of a federal warrant that had been issued two weeks earlier, targeting the vessel for transporting sanctioned oil linked to previous Iranian smuggling operations. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem testified before Congress that the operation prevented “lethal doses of cocaine” from reaching American communities, connecting the seizure to the Trump administration’s broader Latin America drug war. Attorney General Pam Bondi released video footage of the “safely conducted” operation, emphasizing the prevention of sanctioned oil transportation.
Effective immediately, Venezuela is ending all gas supply contracts and negotiations with Trinidad and Tobago, citing its complicity in the theft of Venezuelan oil. pic.twitter.com/QLcsqyMG75
— Kawsachun News (@KawsachunNews) December 15, 2025
Venezuela Lashes Out at Caribbean Neighbor
Maduro’s regime immediately denounced the seizure as “international piracy” and made the accusation that Trinidad and Tobago participated in the US operation, though no specific evidence was provided. Within hours, Venezuela canceled all natural gas supply agreements with Port of Spain, severing crucial energy ties between the Caribbean neighbors. This dramatic escalation demonstrates how Maduro’s desperation is driving wedges between regional allies who depend on Venezuelan energy exports.
The accusation against Trinidad and Tobago appears baseless, likely stemming from the seizure’s proximity to Trinidadian waters and the island nation’s strategic location. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s government now faces energy security challenges as Venezuela cuts off gas supplies from the Dragon field project. This reckless move by Maduro shows how his regime prioritizes political theater over regional stability and economic partnerships.
Venezuela Suspends Gas Agreements with Trinidad and Tobago: Maduro’s Move
Shadow Fleet Operations Under Attack
The *Skipper* represents a critical component of Venezuela’s shadow fleet, previously sanctioned in 2022 for Iranian oil smuggling through IRGC and Hezbollah networks. Rice University energy expert, Francisco Monaldi, confirmed this marked an unprecedented escalation, with approximately 30 similar sanctioned vessels now at risk of seizure. The operation sends a clear message to international buyers and operators that supporting Maduro’s oil smuggling will result in significant losses.
Venezuelan crude exports have already plummeted as tankers avoid the country’s waters, forcing black-market buyers to demand bigger discounts. The Trump administration’s strategy effectively disrupts the shadow fleet operations that have helped Iran, Russia, and Venezuela circumvent sanctions. This coordinated pressure campaign represents exactly the kind of decisive action Americans expect from strong leadership that puts national security first.
Watch the report: Venezuela | Govt. cancels gas supply to Trinidad & Tobago
Sources:
Venezuela claims TT complicit in piracy, cancels gas deals – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Venezuela terminates natural gas contracts with T&T – Trinidad Guardian
Black market oil buyers will push Venezuela for bigger discounts following US seizure
Caracas halts gas supply deals with Trinidad & Tobago, cites
