The United States has intercepted another tanker attempting to transport oil from Venezuela in defiance of sanctions, marking the fifth vessel seized in recent weeks amid an expanding US naval presence in the Caribbean.
Crackdown on the Ghost Fleet
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the tanker Olina as part of a “ghost” fleet — ships accused of hiding their identity to carry embargoed oil. According to officials, the vessel departed Venezuela trying to evade American forces before being intercepted. Noem warned, “The ghost fleets will not outrun justice,” stressing that deceptive vessels would be held accountable. Details of the seizure were reported by euronews.
Joint Military Operation
US Southern Command confirmed the operation involved Marines and Navy personnel launching from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford. Videos showed forces rappelling from helicopters and boarding the tanker at sea. This comes as part of a broader campaign targeting vessels suspected of carrying drugs or embargoed oil, with additional reporting by ChannelNewsAsia.
Trump Signals Extended Pressure
President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade last month on sanctioned Venezuelan oil shipments. Among the intercepted vessels was one allegedly linked to Russia, an operation criticized by Moscow, according to InfoMarine. Trump also suggested US oversight of Venezuela’s oil sector could last “much longer” than initially expected, indicating Washington’s strategy of sustained pressure on Caracas.
