U.S. Seizes Fifth Tanker in Venezuelan Oil Crackdown
U.S. forces have taken control of another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, officials said. Washington intensifies its campaign to curb Venezuelan oil exports under the Trump administration.
The vessel, the Olina, is listed under sanctions by several countries and marks the fifth tanker seized by the United States in recent weeks. U.S. authorities say the operation is part of a broader effort to pressure Venezuela’s interim government and dismantle what they describe as a shadow or dark fleet used to move sanctioned oil.
Dawn operation in Caribbean
U.S. Southern Command said the action sent a clear warning that there is no refuge for those engaged in illicit maritime activity. The tanker was intercepted before dawn by Marines and sailors working with the Department of Homeland Security after it left Venezuelan waters and attempted to evade U.S. forces.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the Olina was suspected of carrying embargoed oil and described the operation as safe and effective. She shared footage that appeared to show troops descending onto the ship from a helicopter.
Shadow fleet and false flags
Maritime risk firm Vanguard Tech said the tanker was trying to breach a U.S. naval blockade in the Caribbean and had been operating under a false flag registered to Timor-Leste. According to the International Maritime Organization, the ship’s tracking system had been inactive for more than 50 days.
The Olina was sanctioned by the U.S. last January under its previous name, Minerva M, over allegations it helped finance Russia’s war in Ukraine by transporting Russian oil.
Wider enforcement campaign
Earlier this week, U.S. authorities also seized two other tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports in back-to-back operations in the Caribbean and the North Atlantic. One of the vessels, the Russian-flagged Marinera, was intercepted with logistical support from the U.K. Royal Navy. U.S. officials said it had been falsely sailing under the Guyana flag, rendering it stateless under international law.
The second tanker, the M/T Sophia, was accused of carrying out illicit activities. Legal experts note that under U.N. maritime law, stateless vessels can be boarded by foreign authorities.
President Donald Trump has said Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, would hand over up to 50 mln barrels of oil valued at about $2.8 bn. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the oil would be sold at market rates, with the U.S. overseeing how the proceeds are distributed for the benefit of the Venezuelan people.
Meanwhile, U.S. diplomats visited Caracas on Friday to explore the possibility of reopening an embassy. Diplomatic relations were cut in 2019, though Venezuela’s new authorities say preliminary discussions on restoring ties are under way.
