The pictures are striking – US forces sliding down ropes on to the deck of an oil tanker in the Caribbean.
Their dawn operation painted a vivid portrait of the Trump administration’s approach to the Maduro government.
Officials framed it as the execution of a warrant on a vessel they linked to sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.
But the imagery of armed troops seizing control of the bridge was anything but routine.
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Instead, it underscored the White House’s preference for visible demonstrations of muscle over diplomacy.
From Iran to North Korea, Trump has relied heavily on sanctions and show-of-strength tactics.
Venezuela, long mired in economic collapse and political turmoil, is a prime target for that strategy.
Critics argue that such high stakes on the high seas risk escalating tensions without offering a path to political transition in Caracas.
By targeting an oil shipment, rather than another suspected drug boat, Washington has signalled its willingness to disrupt exports.
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Trump seems determined to shut down the main source of funding for Nicolas Maduro’s embattled government.
Nine months ago, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all goods imported into the US from any country buying oil or gas from Venezuela.
This is more aggressive and will be viewed in Caracas as a direct threat to the country’s economy and sovereignty.
Read more: Is this what the beginning of a war looks like?
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The interception of the tanker raises more questions about international maritime law and the reach of US enforcement powers.
In the space of four months, the US has bombed 23 boats, killing 87 people, accusing the occupants of being “narcoterrorists”.
This will fuel speculation that airstrikes could be imminent, Trump having posted two weeks ago, that he had closed the airspace.
