Dramatic footage shows the moment US forces stormed an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela as tensions between the two countries escalate.

In a statement on X, US Attorney General Pam Bondi alleged the "sanctioned" vessel had been involved in an "illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organisations". The seized tanker - which sources told CBS is called "The Skipper" - was allegedly being used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. The 45-second clip appears to show US military helicopters approaching the tanker before troops descend onto the deck using ropes.

A seizure warrant was executed by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the Coast Guard, with support from the US military. The operation was carried out "safely and securely", Bondi said,

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