The United States has seized another oil tanker linked to Venezuela, intensifying its efforts to restrict the country’s crude exports. U.S. officials confirmed on Friday that the vessel, Olina, was intercepted in the Caribbean, marking the fifth tanker targeted by Washington in recent weeks.
According to shipping records, the Olina had been falsely operating under the flag of Timor Leste. The tanker had previously sailed from Venezuela and had recently returned to the region. In a pre-dawn operation, U.S. marines and sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, operating from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, boarded and apprehended the vessel without incident.
U.S. Southern Command said the operation sent a clear signal that there would be “no safe haven for criminals,” as Washington continues to enforce sanctions against Venezuelan oil shipments. Industry sources said the Olina left Venezuela last week fully loaded with crude as part of a flotilla that departed shortly after the U.S. seizure of President Nicolás Maduro on January 3. The tanker was reportedly returning toward Venezuelan waters amid a U.S. blockade on oil exports.
The Olina had been sanctioned by the U.S. last year under its former name, Minerva M, for being part of what Washington describes as a “shadow fleet” operating with limited oversight and unclear insurance.
Earlier this week, U.S. forces also seized the tanker M Sophia, which was part of the same group of vessels. While three other fully loaded tankers have already turned back toward Venezuela, several more were expected to follow.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reiterated that the blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil remains in force worldwide, underscoring Washington’s determination to tighten control over the country’s energy exports.
I think the U.S. seizing tankers is a bold move, but is it really the best way to handle the situation? What are your thoughts?
Do you think the U.S. seizing tankers is justified or an overreach? Curious to hear everyones thoughts on this escalating situation.
Is the U.S. really helping Venezuela by seizing tankers, or just adding to the chaos? 🤔 #controversial
I dont get why the U.S. keeps seizing Venezuelan tankers. Is it really helping or just making things worse? 🤔
Wow, cant believe the U.S. keeps seizing tankers! Is this really the best approach to handling the situation in Venezuela? 🤔
Why is the U.S. seizing tankers? Is it really about oil or soing else? Curious to hear different perspectives on this! 🤔🛢️
Do you think the U.S. seizing Venezuelan oil tankers is justified or an overreach? Lets discuss!
Do you think the U.S. seizing tankers is fair game or overstepping boundaries? Lets discuss! 🤔🛢️ #VenezuelaOil #USPolitics