Venezuelan Oil Tanker 'Skipper' to Be Taken to US Port After Seizure

Washington, DC: The oil tanker seized by American forces off the Venezuelan coast, named Skipper, will be brought to a port in the United States. The White House has confirmed that the vessel is undergoing a formal forfeiture process, and once completed, it will be taken to a US port. The crude oil cargo on board will be seized separately after following due legal procedure.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the US will not allow sanctioned vessels to sail with black-market oil, which fuels narco-terrorism. The US has been increasing pressure on Venezuela, with a major naval build-up in the region and strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats.

The seizure was carried out by US forces, including the Coast Guard, FBI, and Homeland Security, with support from the US military. The tanker was transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran, and its seizure is part of the US efforts to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government.

The UN Secretary-General has expressed concern over the escalating tensions and urged restraint. The international community is watching the situation closely, with fears of open conflict between the US and Venezuela.

Venezuela has condemned the seizure, calling it an "act of international piracy," while the US government maintains it's a legitimate enforcement of sanctions. The move has escalated tensions between the two countries, with Russia expressing support for Venezuela.