• U.S. forces intercepted the oil tanker Centuries in international waters off Venezuela's coast on December 20, 2025, marking a second seizure in weeks.
  • The operation, confirmed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, targets vessels linked to sanctioned Venezuelan oil shipments allegedly funding narco-terrorism.
  • This action, involving U.S. Coast Guard and Department of War support, escalates pressure on the Maduro regime and risks heightening tensions with China.

A Strategic Move in International Waters

U.S. forces boarded the Centuries voluntarily, according to people familiar with the matter, as part of a broader blockade ordered by President Trump to halt what officials describe as illicit oil movements. The tanker, owned by a China-based oil company, was transporting Venezuelan crude to Chinese refineries, though it was not on the U.S. sanctions list. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared declassified video footage, stating the operation aims to disrupt "illicit movement of sanctioned oil used to finance narco-terrorism." This follows the seizure of the Panamanian-flagged Skipper on December 10, underscoring an intensified campaign that has seen 104 narco-trafficking vessel strikes since September.

Efforts to enforce sanctions have hit a snag as some tankers reroute, but U.S. officials remain focused on disrupting Venezuela's key revenue stream. Without a deal to recover U.S. oil rights, the Trump administration has signaled more interceptions are likely, with ongoing investigations into shadow fleets. The move comes amid Trump's remarks at Andrews Air Force Base reiterating demands over Venezuela's seizure of assets, adding a layer of geopolitical friction with China over energy transport.

Industry sources note that these actions could raise global oil shipping costs, though no direct market shifts have been reported yet. The Centuries interception, confirmed by outlets including Reuters and AP, highlights the convergence of regulatory enforcement and military strategy in international waters. Attempts to reach the China-based company for comment were unsuccessful, but analysts suggest such operations may pressure the Maduro regime toward regime change or asset recovery, per Trump's long-term goals.

In a related development, U.S. lethal strikes on Thursday killed five narco-terrorists on Eastern Pacific vessels, according to reports. As the situation evolves, experts warn of escalation risks, but for now, the focus remains on current facts: a steady drumbeat of enforcement that blends financial sanctions with on-the-ground action.