Reuters, Washington, Dec 10th, 2023 - U.S. President Trump announced on Wednesday that the U.S. had seized a sanctioned oil tanker near the coast of Venezuela. The move caused international oil prices to rise and sharply escalated tensions between Washington and Caracas.
• U.S. action: Trump called the oil tanker one of the "largest in history" and said that "other things are happening" regarding Venezuela. This is part of the U.S. ongoing efforts to pressure Venezuelan President Maduro.
• About the oil's destination: When asked how the seized oil would be handled, Trump responded, "I think we'll just keep it." (We keep it, I guess.)
• The Venezuelan government issued a statement condemning the U.S. action as "open theft" and "international piracy."
• The Venezuelan side vowed to defend its national sovereignty, natural resources, and national dignity with "absolute determination," and plans to file a complaint with international institutions over the seizure.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1851184009813056/
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