The United States has seized a fifth oil tanker in recent weeks, escalating its naval campaign to block sanctioned vessels moving in and out of Venezuela. Officials say the latest operation reinforces Washington’s warning that attempts to bypass restrictions will be met with force.
Targeting Venezuela’s Shadow Shipping Network
The tanker, Olina, was described by US officials as part of a so-called “ghost fleet” — ships accused of concealing ownership and falsifying registration to transport embargoed oil. Authorities said the vessel had departed Venezuela and was attempting to evade detection when it was intercepted.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the seizure showed that vessels operating under false identities would not escape scrutiny, adding that the US Coast Guard led the operation.
A Pre-Dawn Military Operation
The boarding took place before sunrise and involved a joint force of US Coast Guard, Navy and Marine personnel. The operation was launched from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, with troops descending onto the tanker from helicopters to secure the ship.
US Southern Command said the mission sent a clear signal that criminal networks operating at sea would find no safe passage, releasing footage of the dramatic takeover.
Growing Tensions Over Venezuela’s Oil
President Donald Trump last month ordered a naval blockade of sanctioned oil shipments linked to Venezuela, and US forces have now taken control of five vessels since then. One of the earlier seizures involved a Russia-linked tanker, drawing sharp criticism from Moscow.
Trump has also suggested the US could oversee Venezuela’s oil sector for an extended period, saying American involvement could last far longer than months. With the latest seizure, the standoff between Washington and Caracas appears set to deepen.
