In brief
US military forces have successfully seized another oil tanker, the Olina, in the Caribbean. This marks the fifth vessel captured in recent weeks as part of the Trump administration's strategy to control Venezuelan oil exports and combat sanctioned oil shipments. The seizures aim to disrupt what is termed the 'dark fleet' associated with illicit oil transportation. The actions coincide with diplomatic efforts to assess a potential reopening of US relations with Venezuela.
US forces have seized another tanker in the Caribbean Sea, officials say, as the Trump administration continues its efforts to control exports of Venezuelan oil.
The tanker, the Olina, is on multiple countries' sanctions lists and is the fifth vessel seized by the US in recent weeks.
The US is using these seizures to pressure Venezuela's interim government and disrupt what is described as the 'dark fleet' of over 1,000 vessels transporting sanctioned and illicit oil.
Once again, our joint interagency forces sent a clear message this morning: 'there is no safe haven for criminals,' stated the US military's Southern Command.
The vessel reportedly departed Venezuelan waters after a raid on President Nicolás Maduro, led by US forces.
Friday's operation was conducted just before dawn by a collaboration of Marines and sailors along with the Department of Homeland Security, and the vessel was seized as it attempted to evade US naval forces.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that it was another ghost fleet tanker suspected of carrying embargoed oil.
Additionally, earlier this week, other tankers linked to Venezuelan exports were seized in back-to-back operations, illustrating the ongoing campaign against the shadow fleet involved in moving oils for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran, all breaking US sanctions.
The situation reflects broader diplomatic maneuvers, as US diplomats recently visited Caracas to explore the possibility of re-establishing an embassy, a significant shift in US-Venezuela relations since ties were severed in 2019.
