The United States has seized another oil tanker as it intensifies efforts to enforce sanctions on Venezuela, marking the fifth vessel intercepted in recent weeks amid a growing naval presence in the Caribbean.
Crackdown on the ‘Ghost’ Fleet
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the seized tanker, Olina, was part of a so-called “ghost” fleet — ships accused of masking their identity to transport embargoed oil. According to US officials, the vessel left Venezuela and attempted to avoid American forces before being intercepted.
“The ghost fleets will not outrun justice,” Noem said, warning that vessels using deceptive tactics would be held accountable. The seizure was carried out by the US Coast Guard as part of the broader sanctions effort against Venezuelan oil exports, according to euronews.
A Coordinated Military Operation
US Southern Command said the operation involved Marines and Navy personnel who launched before dawn from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest. Footage released by the military showed US forces rappelling from helicopters and taking control of the ship at sea.
The action forms part of a wider campaign that has seen US forces strike suspected drug-trafficking vessels and seize multiple tankers in recent days. Additional details were reported by ChannelNewsAsia.
Trump Signals Long-Term Pressure
President Donald Trump announced last month that he had ordered a naval blockade of sanctioned oil shipments traveling to and from Venezuela. Among the seized ships was a tanker with alleged Russian links, an operation that drew sharp criticism from Moscow, as reported by InfoMarine.
Trump has since suggested that Washington could exert control over Venezuela’s oil sector for an extended period. In a recent interview, he said US oversight could last “much longer” than initially expected, underscoring the likelihood that tensions between Washington and Caracas will continue to escalate.
