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US forces intercept another Venezuelan oil tanker
American military and law enforcement agencies have detained a fifth vessel suspected of transporting sanctioned Venezuelan crude, escalating Washington's campaign to disrupt oil exports from the South American nation.
Operation details
The Olina, an oil tanker, was boarded by US Marines and sailors in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security on Friday morning, according to US Southern Command. The vessel was intercepted after departing Venezuela in an apparent attempt to evade US naval patrols.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the Olina as part of a "ghost fleet" suspected of carrying embargoed oil. She shared a video on social media showing troops rappelling onto the ship from a helicopter.
Vessel's background
The Olina appears on multiple international sanctions lists and had not transmitted its location for 52 days, maritime risk firm Vanguard Tech reported. Its last known position was northeast of Curaçao. The company noted the seizure followed a prolonged effort to track tankers linked to Venezuelan oil shipments in the region.
Recent seizures
Earlier this week, US authorities seized two additional tankers in rapid succession. One, the Russian-flagged Marinera, was intercepted in the North Atlantic with support from the UK Royal Navy. The vessel is alleged to be part of a shadow fleet transporting oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran in violation of US sanctions.
The second tanker, the M/T Sophia, was accused of engaging in "illicit activities" by US officials.
Broader US strategy
The seizures coincide with Washington's broader effort to curtail Venezuelan oil exports. President Donald Trump announced this week that Venezuela-home to the world's largest proven oil reserves-would transfer up to 50 million barrels of crude, valued at approximately $2.8 billion (£2.1 billion), to US control.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the oil would be sold at market rates, with proceeds managed by the US "in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people." The remarks follow last week's high-profile raid in Caracas, where US special forces detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
"Once again, our joint interagency forces sent a clear message this morning: 'there is no safe haven for criminals.'"
US Southern Command, via X
