Newly released footage shows U.S. forces securing a Venezuelan oil tanker Wednesday. (@AGPamBondi via X)
FBI Director Kash Patel said in an X post the administration’s "efforts to crush FTO’s" and cut off their resources will "continue day and night."
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem added, "If you threaten our nation or break the law, there is no place on land or sea where we won’t find you. Thank you to our brave service members. America FIRST."
President Donald Trump noted at the White House Wednesday that the tanker was the "largest one ever seized action," adding "other things are happening."
"You'll be seeing that later," Trump said. "And you'll be talking about that later with some other people."
The Navy confirmed to Fox News Wednesday that 15% of U.S.-deployed Navy ships are in the Caribbean region.
It is unclear what percentage of U.S. Naval assets are in the region.
U.S. forces climbed staircases on the ship. (@AGPamBondi via X)
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The administration's latest action is expected to further strain ties with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s government, which is already under sweeping U.S. oil sanctions, and follows 22 U.S. strikes on alleged narco-traffickers near Venezuela that have killed 87 people.
The Trump administration is also weighing land strikes to increase pressure on Maduro, whom the administration deems Venezuela’s illegitimate leader, after recent talks between the two countries failed to produce a deal for his exit.
The White House could not immediately be reached for comment.
Fox News’ Morgan Phillips and Justin Fishel, Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.
She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bondi-shares-heart-pounding-footage-us-seizing-venezuelan-oil-tanker-rare-action-last-seen-2014