The US has seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, an operation President Donald Trump called the “biggest ever”. The move comes amid increased military activity, including fighter jets, as Washington steps up pressure on Nicolás Maduro. This combination of photos created on August 7, 2025 shows US President Donald Trump (L) in Washington, DC, on July 9, 2025, and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (R) in Caracas on July 31, 2024. (Photo by Jim WATSON and Federico PARRA / AFP)(AFP) .US President announced on Wednesday a large oil, Donald Trump 10. tanker off the coast of Venezuela, which is a sharp escalation in the administration’s campaign against President Nicolás Maduro mark. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump described the operation as unprecedented in scope. “We just seized a tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a large tanker, very large — the largest one ever seized, actually,” Trump said. He added that “other things are happening,” without elaborating, and said he would address the matter further at a later time. The move comes as US forces have expanded operations in the region, targeting vessels Washington claims are linked to narco-terrorism and drug-trafficking networks linked to the Maduro government. Increased military activity near Venezuela The seizure followed an unusual U.S. military show of force: A pair of U.S. fighter jets flew over the Gulf of Venezuela on Tuesday, in what officials said was likely the closest approach to Venezuelan airspace since the Trump administration began ramping up pressure. The United States has deployed its largest military presence in Latin America in decades and has launched several deadly attacks on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Trump Hints at Ground Attacks Trump has repeatedly said that ground operations could be next. He did not give details on targets or timing. Charges against Maduro The escalation comes as Maduro faces US narco-terrorism charges, with Washington accusing members of his government of supporting drug-trafficking networks and criminal groups. The seizure of the oil tanker adds a new layer to the administration’s pressure campaign.