The US has seized control of a tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Trump confirmed. For weeks, the US has been increasing pressure on Venezuela and deploying naval forces to the region.

The US has seized a tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House. He did not provide further details. It was initially unclear what type of tanker it was and under which flag it was sailing.

The US has been increasing pressure on Venezuelan President Maduro for weeks – apparently with the aim of forcing him out of office. Trump has already confirmed that he authorized covert operations by the CIA in Venezuela.

The US military has deployed naval forces to the region. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, is stationed there. In early September, the US military began attacks on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the region; later, boats in the eastern Pacific were also attacked.