Part 1/12:

A New Era of American Power: The Seizure of the Venezuelan Tanker and the Rebirth of the Department of War

Shadow Fleet and Violent Non-Compliance

For years, a clandestine shadow fleet operated with impunity in our waters, funneling billions of dollars worth of black-market oil from Venezuela and Iran. These vessels supported terrorist organizations, extended authoritarian regimes' influence, and undermined U.S. interests without consequence. Assured of American distraction, perceived weakness, and political correctness, these foreign actors believed they could operate free from retaliation.