The United States has seized another oil tanker as part of its expanding effort to choke off sanctioned Venezuelan oil exports, marking the fifth such interception in recent weeks. The vessel, Olina, was taken during a pre-dawn operation in the Caribbean as Washington intensifies a sweeping naval campaign in the region.
‘Ghost fleet’ tanker intercepted at sea
According to US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the Olina was part of a so-called “ghost fleet” — tankers accused of using false identities and evasive tactics to transport embargoed oil. The ship had reportedly departed Venezuela and was attempting to avoid detection when it was boarded by the US Coast Guard, with support from the Navy and Marines.
US Southern Command said the operation involved forces launching from the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier. Video footage released by the military showed personnel rappelling from helicopters onto the tanker before securing it.
Part of a wider naval blockade
The seizure comes after President Donald Trump announced last month that the US would enforce a naval “blockade” against sanctioned oil vessels traveling to and from Venezuela. Since then, American forces have taken control of five ships, including three this week alone.
One of those vessels, reportedly linked to Russia, was intercepted in the North Atlantic — a move that drew sharp criticism from Moscow. US officials insist the actions are necessary to enforce sanctions and disrupt illicit oil trading networks tied to Caracas.
Trump signals long-term ambitions
In recent comments to The New York Times, Trump suggested the US could maintain oversight of Venezuela for an extended period, citing the country’s vast oil reserves. Asked how long such involvement might last, he replied that it would likely be “much longer” than a few months.
As Washington continues to deploy naval power across the Caribbean, the seizure of the Olina underscores a rapidly escalating strategy — one that is reshaping maritime enforcement in the region and raising new geopolitical tensions around Venezuela’s oil industry.
