The Seizure of *The Skipper*: Geopolitical Escalation in Venezuela's Oil Conflict

Introduction: The Seizure of The Skipper Supertanker

On December 10, 2025, a significant international incident unfolded off the coast of Venezuela with the seizure of the supertanker The Skipper by United States military forces . This event, announced by US President Donald Trump, involved a coordinated operation by US military personnel, including helicopters, Coast Guard members, and Marines, taking control of the vessel . The tanker, also identified as The Adisa or M/T Adisa, was laden with approximately 2 million barrels of heavy crude oil, a portion of which was Merey crude loaded at Venezuela's main export hub, Jose port .

At the time of its interception, The Skipper was falsely flying a Guyanan flag, a registration that Guyana subsequently denied . The US government justified the seizure by citing the vessel's involvement in an illicit oil shipping network that supported foreign terrorist organizations, specifically Hezbollah and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF) . It had been previously sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2022 for these activities, operating as part of a "shadow fleet" involved in transporting sanctioned oil . This marked the first seizure of an oil cargo from Venezuela under US sanctions, which have been in place since 2019 .

Background: US Sanctions, Illicit Networks, and Geopolitical Context

The United States has systematically employed sanctions and a robust enforcement strategy to counter what it perceives as illicit financial activities and geopolitical threats emanating from Venezuela, particularly those linked to its oil industry and alleged support for designated terrorist organizations. This section details the evolution of these sanctions, highlights the alleged connections between Venezuelan oil exports and illicit networks, and outlines the broader legal and geopolitical context that justified actions such as the seizure of the oil tanker The Skipper.

Evolution of US Sanctions on Venezuela's Oil Sector

US sanctions against Venezuela have intensified over time, shifting from targeted measures to comprehensive sectoral prohibitions, primarily under the premise of combating anti-democratic actions, corruption, and terrorism 1.

• Early Measures (2005-2017): Since 2005, the US began imposing targeted sanctions on individuals and entities involved in criminal or corrupt activities within Venezuela 1. Venezuela has been deemed uncooperative with US anti-terrorism efforts since 2006, leading to a prohibition on US commercial arms sales 1. Notably, in 2008, the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated individuals and travel agencies in Venezuela for financially supporting Hezbollah, a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) 1.
• Trump Administration Escalation (2017-2020): The first Trump Administration significantly expanded these measures. In August 2017, Executive Order (E.O.) 13808 restricted the Venezuelan government and state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA) from accessing US financial markets 1. E.O. 13850, issued in November 2018, further authorized the blocking of assets and prohibition of transactions with individuals involved in specific Venezuelan economic sectors, including oil, or engaged in corrupt dealings with the Maduro government 1. Pursuant to this, OFAC designated PdVSA in January 2019, freezing its property and prohibiting transactions by US persons 1. By August 2019, E.O. 13884 froze all assets of the Maduro government within the United States 1.
• Biden Administration & Renewed Pressure (2022-2025): While the Biden Administration initially explored limited sanctions relief to encourage fair elections, some licenses were later revoked due to alleged electoral issues 1. In February 2025, Venezuela-linked criminal groups were designated as terrorist organizations, leading to sanctions on entities like Tren de Aragua 1. By July 2025, the "Cartel de los Soles" was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), and later as an FTO in November 2025, enabling broader enforcement actions 1. Furthermore, as of April 2, 2025, any country importing Venezuelan oil could face a 25% tariff on its exports to the United States 1.

Illicit Networks and Alleged Links to Terrorism

The US justification for seizing vessels like The Skipper often stems from allegations linking Venezuelan oil exports to illicit shipping networks that fund designated terrorist organizations and criminal enterprises.

• The Case of The Skipper: The supertanker Skipper (also known as The Adisa) was sanctioned by the US in 2022 due to its alleged involvement in an illicit oil shipping network that generated revenue for Hezbollah and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF) . US Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the vessel transported sanctioned oil from both Venezuela and Iran as part of this illicit network supporting foreign terrorist organizations .
• Iran-Venezuela Connections: Iran's military network has been increasingly involved in Venezuela, despite sanctions 2. In 2020, Mahan Air, an airline designated by the US for supporting terrorism and preferred by the IRGC, transported technicians and equipment to Venezuela's oil industry 2. The Maduro regime reportedly paid for these services with approximately nine tonnes of gold bars 2. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) also reported that fuel shipments on four re-flagged tankers bound for Venezuela, which were subsequently seized, were arranged by the IRGC 2.
• Hezbollah and Criminal Hub: The Maduro regime is accused of fostering an environment conducive to terrorist groups, including Hezbollah sympathizers, who allegedly facilitate corruption through illicit finance, drug trafficking, extortion, and smuggling 2. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado described Venezuela as a "criminal hub of the Americas" sustained by trafficking in drugs, arms, people, and an oil black market .
• "Cartel de los Soles" as a Broker: A May 2020 DOJ indictment against Adel El Zebayar alleged that the "Cartel de los Soles" acted as a broker in a "weapons-for-cocaine scheme" involving Hezbollah, Hamas, and the FARC, all designated FTOs 2.

Venezuelan Circumvention Strategies

In response to stringent US sanctions, Venezuela's oil industry and the Maduro regime have developed sophisticated methods to adapt and circumvent restrictions.

• Shadow Fleet Operations: Venezuela, alongside Iran and Russia, utilizes a "shadow fleet" of vessels, including The Skipper, to transport sanctioned energy exports 3. These vessels employ tactics such as "spoofing" (broadcasting false locations) and falsely flying flags of convenience (e.g., Guyana) to evade detection and sanctions . The Skipper notably falsified its location for over a month prior to its seizure 3.
• Characteristics of the Shadow Fleet: The global shadow fleet, comprising over 1,400 tankers (with 921 under sanctions), often consists of old vessels with opaque ownership structures and inadequate insurance, posing significant environmental and financial risks 3. These ships predominantly transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela, Iran, and Russia to Asian markets 3.
• "Super Facilitators" and Illicit Finance: The Maduro regime relies on individuals like Alex Saab, termed "super facilitators," who manage illicit networks integrated with state-run programs to create global illicit finance channels for moving and concealing criminal proceeds 2.
• Diversification of Illicit Revenue: While OFAC sanctions target formal oil revenues, the regime supplements its income through narcotrafficking, illegal gold mining, and other criminal activities, with Venezuela serving as a critical transit point for the international drug trade, benefiting the "Cartel de los Soles" 2.

Legal and Geopolitical Precedents for Oil Tanker Seizures

The seizure of The Skipper by the United States on December 10, 2025, was part of a broader "Maximum Pressure" campaign and aligns with established legal and geopolitical precedents for combating sanctions violations and terrorist financing.

• Judicial Enforcement and Stateless Vessels: A senior Trump administration official characterized the seizure of The Skipper as a "judicial enforcement action on a stateless vessel," executed in international waters, with a federal judge having authorized a seizure warrant two weeks prior .
• Precedent of Iranian Tanker Seizures: A direct precedent occurred in May 2020 when the US seized four re-flagged Iranian tankers carrying IRGC-arranged fuel bound for Venezuela, demonstrating a clear willingness to interdict such shipments 2.
• Broader US Pressure Campaign: The incident took place amidst an escalating US pressure campaign against the Venezuelan government, which included a significant naval buildup in the Caribbean and a sustained effort against alleged drug smuggling . This campaign has involved numerous strikes on suspected drug boats, resulting in casualties and destruction 4.
• Narco-Terrorism Indictments: The US Department of Justice has pursued criminal charges, including narco-terrorism, corruption, and drug trafficking, against Venezuelan regime officials, such as Nicolás Maduro, for leading the "Cartel de los Soles" 2. These indictments provide a legal foundation for targeting entities, including shipping networks, that support such criminal enterprises.
• FTO Designations: The designation of Venezuelan groups like Tren de Aragua and the "Cartel de los Soles" as FTOs or SDGTs strengthens the legal basis for sanctions, law enforcement, and interdiction actions against them and their facilitators, although some legal experts question whether these designations directly authorize military action 1.

This comprehensive background underscores the multifaceted nature of US policy toward Venezuela, rooted in a complex interplay of sanctions, allegations of illicit networks, and broader geopolitical objectives, setting the stage for understanding the implications of incidents like The Skipper's seizure.

Implications and International Reactions

The seizure of The Skipper supertanker represents a pivotal moment with far-reaching consequences for Venezuela's economy, global energy markets, regional stability, and international relations. This incident, marking the first known interdiction of Venezuelan oil cargo since US sanctions were imposed in 2019, underscores the escalating pressure campaign against the Maduro regime .

Economic Consequences for Venezuela's Oil Sector and Overall Economy

The seizure directly targets Venezuela's primary source of revenue, as the nation boasts the world's largest proven oil reserves and its state-owned oil company, PDVSA, is central to its economy . The immediate and projected economic impacts are severe:

• Revenue Disruption: The US President's statement, "We keep it, I guess," regarding the seized oil, signals a direct and significant loss of revenue for Venezuela .
• Export Delays and Deterrence: The incident is anticipated to cause short-term export delays and may dissuade other vessel owners from operating in Venezuelan waters, thereby further disrupting oil shipments 5.
• Increased Isolation: Venezuela already sells its crude at deep discounts to its main buyer, China, facing growing competition from other sanctioned oil producers like Russia and Iran 6. This seizure intensifies the pressure on the Maduro regime .
• Diluent Dependency: Venezuela's heavy crude requires imported naphtha for dilution, and the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" policy has halted naphtha imports from Chevron, making the country reliant on Russia . A reduction in overall oil exports would severely harm the regime, given oil's near-exclusive role as the country's export .
• Maduro's Allegations: President Maduro claims the US military build-up aims to overthrow him and gain control of Venezuela's oil resources 6.

Impact on Global Oil Prices, Shipping Routes, and "Shadow Fleet" Operations

The seizure of The Skipper had immediate repercussions on global oil markets and carries broader implications for shipping and illicit trade networks.

• Global Oil Prices: News of the seizure led to an increase in oil futures prices 6. Brent crude futures rose by $0.27 (0.4%) to settle at $62.21 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained $0.21 (0.4%) to close at $58.46 per barrel 6. This rise was attributed to new geopolitical/sanctions-related headwinds affecting spot supply and immediate supply concerns 6.
• Shipping Routes: The incident serves as a clear warning to other tanker captains about the risks involved in loading oil in Venezuela and operating in its vicinity 7. Expert analysis suggests that such interdictions could deter maritime traffic and access to the Venezuelan coastline, negatively impacting the country's economy 8.
• "Shadow Fleet" Operations:
  • The Skipper was identified as part of the "shadow fleet"—a network of vessels used to traffic sanctioned oil . Its prior sanctioning as M/T Adisa was due to its alleged involvement with an illicit oil shipping network linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah 8.
  • The seizure represents a significant blow to these shadow fleet operations 7.
  • Over 30 US-sanctioned oil vessels currently operating in Venezuela could face similar punitive actions 5.
  • Many vessel owners, operators, and shipping agencies are now reconsidering planned voyages from Venezuelan waters 5.
  • The global shadow fleet comprises 1,423 tankers, with 921 subject to US, British, or European sanctions 5. These vessels are typically older, have opaque ownership structures, lack top-tier insurance, and are primarily used to transport sanctioned oil from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela to destinations in Asia 5. They commonly employ tactics such as turning off their tracking signals or otherwise disguising their locations 5. Approximately 15% of the world's very large crude carrier (VLCC) fleet is estimated to be impacted by sanctions 5.
  • In a related development prior to The Skipper seizure, a Russian naphtha tanker named Seahorse was interdicted by the US warship USS Stockdale in November 2025 while attempting to deliver fuel to Venezuela . Although the Seahorse eventually reached Venezuela, this event underscored the US's increased efforts to curb fuel aid to Venezuela and disrupt shadow fleet activities .

Geopolitical Ramifications for Regional Stability in the Caribbean and Latin America

The seizure of The Skipper is viewed as a dramatic intensification of the US military pressure campaign against Venezuela, raising significant concerns about regional stability 7.

• Escalation of Tensions: The incident sharply escalated tensions between Washington and Caracas 6.
• US Military Presence and Objectives: The US maintains a significant naval presence in the Caribbean, including the advanced USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, as part of an apparent strategy to force Maduro out of power . Critics argue that the administration might be embroiling the US in another foreign policy misadventure and that the true objective is "regime change by force" rather than drug interdiction .
• Legal Justifications and Concerns: The US asserts the seizure was a legitimate law enforcement action based on links to Iran-backed terror groups and sanctioned oil transport . However, some US lawmakers and experts question the legality and constitutionality of these actions, particularly in light of previous US military strikes against suspected drug vessels that resulted in numerous deaths .
• Regional Dominance: The seizure aligns with the Trump administration's stated foreign policy goal of reasserting US dominance in the Western Hemisphere and countering Chinese and Russian influence 7.
• Potential Instability: There are fears that if the Maduro regime falls, Venezuela could descend into violence and instability, potentially triggering a refugee crisis 7.
• Disruption of Maritime Commerce: The extensive US military presence and interdiction activities in the Caribbean pose a risk of disrupting crucial trade routes, including those utilizing the Panama Canal 9. Such disruptions could lead to increased insurance rates for shipping, rerouting of vessels, and broader economic repercussions, challenging established "laws of the sea" and fostering "great power competition" 9.

Reactions and Official Statements from Major International Actors

The seizure provoked strong reactions from Venezuela and condemnation from Iran, while the positions of other major powers like China, Russia, and the EU are contextualized by their broader interactions with Venezuela and their involvement in the "shadow fleet."