Trump says Venezuela is handing over millions of barrels of oil as US weighs Greenland options
US President Donald Trump has said Venezuela will transfer tens of millions of barrels of oil to the United States, as his administration also signals it is considering military options to secure Greenland.
In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday evening, Mr Trump said Venezuela’s interim authorities had agreed to hand over between 30 and 50 million barrels of what he described as high quality, sanctioned oil.
“I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States of America,” he wrote.
The president said the oil would be sold, with the proceeds controlled by his administration to ensure the money benefits both Venezuela and the United States.
The announcement came days after a covert US operation led to the capture of Venezuela’s now deposed president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in Caracas. Both have pleaded not guilty to drug and weapons charges in New York.
Greenland under renewed scrutiny
Also on Tuesday, US officials confirmed the administration was considering the use of military force to acquire Greenland. The mineral rich Arctic territory is self governing but remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Mr Trump told reporters over the weekend that Greenland was “so strategic right now,” claiming it was surrounded by Russian and Chinese vessels. Several major European countries issued a joint statement in response, saying only Denmark and Greenland could decide their future relationship.
Surge in US military aircraft movements
Amid the diplomatic tension, open source flight tracking data has shown a sharp increase in US military aircraft movements to Europe over the past 36 hours. The deployments include C 17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, AC 130J Ghostrider gunships, and specialised intelligence and surveillance planes linked to US special operations.
At least 10 C 17 flights were recorded travelling from the United States to Europe on 3 January. Four of those flights originated from Fort Campbell in Kentucky, home of the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, also known as the Night Stalkers.
The unit played a key role in the recent operation to capture Mr Maduro, known as Operation Absolute Resolve. While there are unconfirmed reports that modified MH 47 Chinooks and MH 60M Black Hawk helicopters were delivered to RAF Fairford, no visual evidence has emerged.
A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence said it does not comment on the operational activity of allied forces or speculation regarding the use of UK bases.
At least two AC 130J Ghostrider gunships have been confirmed at RAF Mildenhall, according to local spotters. US Air Force Special Operations Command declined to comment.
A CASA CN 235 intelligence and surveillance aircraft has also been observed at RAF Fairford. US European Command said the flights were routine and conducted in line with agreements with allies, but declined to provide further details for security reasons.
Focus on sanctioned oil tanker
The aircraft movements have fuelled speculation that the US is preparing for a special operations mission involving the Russian flagged oil tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1. The vessel, loaded with Venezuelan oil, is believed to be part of a shadow fleet transporting sanctioned crude for Russia, Iran and Venezuela.
The US Coast Guard attempted to board the tanker in December but was refused access. CBS News has reported that US authorities are now likely to attempt an interception in the North Atlantic.
Night Stalker helicopters previously played a central role in the seizure of the M V Skipper, another sanctioned tanker, using fast roping techniques. Analysts say a similar operation against the Marinera could be more dangerous.
According to CBS News, Venezuelan officials had discussed placing armed military personnel aboard oil tankers, disguised as civilians, and equipping them with portable Soviet era air defence systems. Those discussions reportedly took place before Mr Maduro’s capture.
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US Navy P 8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft have also been tracked monitoring the Marinera, alongside Irish Air Corps C 295W surveillance aircraft.
Other possible explanations
While the tanker operation is a key focus, officials note there could be other reasons for the increased military activity. NATO began its Steadfast Dart 2026 exercise on 2 January, designed to test the rapid deployment of allied forces. However, the short notice nature of the flights makes a direct link unlikely.
The 160th SOAR is also due to begin a recruitment drive in Germany on 6 January, although it is unclear whether aircraft have been forward deployed for that purpose.
There has also been speculation that some assets could be heading towards the Middle East, recalling similar movements before Operation Midnight Hammer, when US B 2 bombers struck Iranian nuclear facilities last June.
While some of the aircraft movements may prove routine, the scale and timing have drawn attention. With the Marinera still at sea and US officials reiterating their intent to interdict sanctioned oil shipments, the likelihood of another high profile special operations mission appears to be growing.
