The United States has seized another tanker in its ongoing effort to enforce sanctions on Venezuela, marking the fifth vessel intercepted in recent weeks as US forces expand their presence in the Caribbean.
Targeting the ‘Ghost’ Fleet
US Homeland Security Secretary Noem described the tanker, Olina, as part of a “ghost fleet” — ships allegedly disguising their identity to transport embargoed oil. The vessel reportedly departed Venezuela in an attempt to evade US forces before being captured.
“The ghost fleets will not outrun justice,” Noem said, emphasizing that vessels using false identities would be held accountable. The Coast Guard led the operation as part of the broader effort to enforce Venezuelan oil sanctions.
A High-Stakes Military Operation
US Southern Command reported that Marines and Navy personnel took part in the pre-dawn seizure, launching from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest. Footage released by SOUTHCOM shows forces rappelling from helicopters to secure the ship.
The operation comes amid a series of interventions by US forces, including strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels and the capture of other tankers in recent days.
Trump Signals Long-Term Plans
President Trump announced last month that he ordered a naval blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil shipments. One of the recent seizures involved a tanker with alleged Russian ties, a move that drew condemnation from Moscow.
Trump has indicated that US oversight of Venezuela’s oil industry could continue for an extended period, telling The New York Times that control could last “much longer” than initially anticipated, signaling ongoing tensions between Washington and Caracas.
