US forces have intercepted and seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.

President Donald Trump confirmed the operation at a meeting with business leaders at the White House.

Officials also told the Reuters news agency that the operation was led by the US Coast Guard. They did not name the tanker, nor say specifically where the incident took place.

It would mark the latest escalation from the Trump administration, which has in recent weeks ramped up pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The US accuses Mr Maduro of presiding over a narcotrafficking operation in Venezuela, which he denies.

US interception of oil tanker raises more questions about international law

The seizing of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela is a significant escalation in US tactics.

By targeting an oil shipment, rather than a suspected drug boat, Washington has signalled its willingness to disrupt exports.

President Trump seems determined to shut down one of the last major sources of funding for Nicholas 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 even more aggressive and will be viewed in Caracas as a direct threat to the country’s economy and sovereignty.

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 “narco-terrorists”.

It will also fuel speculation that airstrikes are imminent, President Trump having posted two weeks ago that he had closed the airspace.

Throughout the year, the Pentagon has conducted more than 20 strikes against purported drug-trafficking vessels in waters near Venezuela and Colombia, killing more than 80 suspects.

It also comes after Mr Trump suggested that the US could strike Venezuela on land.

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Speaking to Politico on Tuesday, he declined to comment on whether US troops would enter the country, but said that Mr Maduro’s “days are numbered”.

According to US news outlet Bloomberg, the Maduro government describes US actions as a grab for Venezuela’s oil reserves – among the biggest in the world.

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