The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has unsealed an order for the seizure of the M/T Skipper, a crude oil tanker. This action was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and FBI Director Kash Patel.
The vessel was seized on December 10, 2025, by the U.S. Coast Guard while it was on the high seas after leaving Venezuela. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the M/T Skipper, previously known as the Adisa, was linked to an oil shipping network supporting terrorist organizations such as Hizballah and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF). These groups are known to use profits from oil to fund their activities.
U.S. Attorney Pirro emphasized the commitment to intercept such vessels, showcasing the efforts of her office to enhance safety. “This action reflects our determination to combat threats from rogue states,” she stated. FBI Director Patel echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of collaboration in enforcing U.S. sanctions against countries like Venezuela and Iran.
The legal framework for this seizure includes specific U.S. codes that allow for the confiscation of assets linked to terrorism. In this case, the Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI coordinated the operation alongside the Coast Guard.
This incident highlights a broader trend in international relations. The enforcement of sanctions against nations accused of supporting terrorism is becoming increasingly crucial. According to recent statistics from the U.S. Treasury, nearly $20 billion in assets connected to sanctioned entities have been frozen since 2020.
User reactions on social media have varied, with many appreciating the government’s efforts to combat terrorism, while others express concern over the impact of these actions on global trade.
For more insights on U.S. sanctions and their impact, you can visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
