The United States has intercepted another oil tanker, continuing its crackdown on embargoed Venezuelan oil and marking the fifth vessel seized in recent weeks. The move comes as Washington maintains a significant naval presence in the Caribbean.
Targeting the “Ghost Fleet”
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the seized tanker, Olina, as part of a “ghost” fleet — ships using false identities to transport embargoed oil. The vessel departed Venezuela in an attempt to evade US forces before being intercepted by the Coast Guard.
“No ghost fleet will outrun justice,” Noem said, emphasizing that deceptive operations would not go unpunished. The seizure is part of the broader US effort to enforce sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports, as reported by Euronews.
A Joint Military Operation
US Southern Command confirmed the operation involved Marines and Navy personnel launching before dawn from the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier. Video footage showed US forces rappelling from helicopters to secure the vessel at sea.
The operation is part of a wider crackdown that has seen multiple tankers seized and suspected drug-smuggling vessels targeted, according to Channel News Asia.
Trump Signals Extended Pressure
President Donald Trump previously announced a naval blockade of sanctioned oil vessels traveling to and from Venezuela. Among the seized ships was one with alleged Russian ties, a move condemned by Moscow, according to InfoMarine.
Trump has suggested that US oversight of Venezuela’s oil sector could continue for an extended period, stating that the timeframe might be “much longer” than initially expected, indicating ongoing tensions between Washington and Caracas.
