The United States has seized another oil tanker in the Caribbean, escalating its crackdown on vessels accused of secretly transporting Venezuelan oil in violation of U.S. sanctions. The ship, named Olina, is the fifth tanker intercepted in recent weeks as Washington ramps up its naval presence around Venezuela.
A Pre-Dawn Interception at Sea
U.S. forces boarded the Olina early Friday during a coordinated operation involving the Coast Guard, Navy, and Marines operating under U.S. Southern Command. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the vessel as part of a so-called “ghost fleet” — tankers that allegedly mask their identities and disable tracking systems to evade sanctions.
According to U.S. officials, the Olina had departed Venezuela carrying embargoed oil and was attempting to avoid detection when it was intercepted. Video footage released by SOUTHCOM showed personnel rappelling from helicopters onto the ship to take control.
Part of a Growing Naval Blockade
The seizure follows President Donald Trump’s announcement last month of a naval “blockade” targeting sanctioned oil shipments linked to Venezuela. Since then, U.S. forces have taken control of five tankers, including a Russia-linked vessel seized earlier this week in the North Atlantic — a move that drew sharp criticism from Moscow.
Washington says the operations are meant to enforce sanctions and disrupt illicit oil exports. The U.S. Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has played a central role in supporting these missions.
Political Stakes and Global Reactions
The expanding operation has raised concerns among international observers about maritime law and the precedent set by boarding ships in international waters. While the U.S. argues the actions are lawful under sanctions enforcement, critics warn of rising tensions and disruptions to global shipping.
Trump added to the controversy in a recent New York Times interview, suggesting the United States could oversee Venezuela and its oil resources for an extended period. When asked how long such oversight might last, he replied simply: “Much longer.”
As more vessels come under scrutiny, the seizure of the Olina signals that the U.S. campaign against Venezuela’s oil trade — and the shadow networks supporting it — is far from over.
