US Seizes Tanker; Venezuela Calls 'Piracy' as Conflict Looms

• US forces seized an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast, which will be brought to a US port, with intentions to seize its oil.
• The White House stated the seizure targets Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's "regime" and an "illicit oil shipping network" funding "narco-terrorism."
• Venezuela condemned the US action as "blatant theft" and "international piracy," while the UN urged restraint amid escalating tensions.
• The US has increased pressure on Venezuela, accusing Maduro of leading a "narco-terrorist" organization and not ruling out a ground invasion.
• A US Senator questioned the legality of the seizure, suggesting it could be an act of war without congressional authorization.

Why It Matters: US seizure of Venezuelan tanker fuels US-Venezuela conflict, risking war.