US Targets Venezuelan Oil Tankers: Fifth Seizure in Recent Campaign

Sat Jan 10 2026 10:47:39 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The US military has intercepted another oil tanker linked to Venezuela as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illicit oil exports. This marks the fifth vessel seizure amid heightened tensions.

In a relentless push against Venezuela's oil exports, the US has seized another tanker, named Olina, in the Caribbean. This marks the fifth seizure in just a few weeks as the US aims to dismantle what officials call a 'dark fleet' of over 1,000 vessels engaged in transporting sanctioned oil. The operation involved a coordinated effort between military and homeland security forces, sending a stark message that there is 'no safe haven for criminals.' With sanctions in place, the US is also exploring the possibility of rekindling diplomatic relations with Venezuela.

The US forces seized yet another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, named Olina, as part of the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to tighten control over Venezuelan oil exports. This operation marks the fifth vessel to be apprehended by US authorities in recent weeks.

The Olina is on multiple sanctions lists, and its seizure is aimed at applying pressure on Venezuela's interim government while diminishing the so-called 'dark fleet' that comprises over 1,000 ships implicated in transporting unauthorized oil.

The US military's Southern Command emphasized their resolve, stating, 'Our joint interagency forces sent a clear message: there is no safe haven for criminals.'

On the night of the seizure, the Olina had reportedly departed from Venezuelan waters following an early morning raid that included the apprehension of President Nicolás Maduro. The operation involved Marines and sailors collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted this tanker as one suspected of carrying embargoed oil, sharing a video that depicted troops descending onto the ship from a helicopter.

According to maritime risk analysts, the vessel attempted to navigate past the US naval blockade. It had previously been sailing under a false flag identified with Timor-Leste, and its location tracker had not been active for 52 days.

The US had sanctioned the Olina last January, alleging it played a role in funding Russia's military actions in Ukraine by transporting Russian oil to foreign markets.

As part of a concerted effort, the US has recently seized two other tankers linked to Venezuelan oil in consecutive operations in the North Atlantic and Caribbean.

President Trump asserted that Venezuela, which holds the largest proven oil reserves globally, will soon be 'turning over' nearly 50 million barrels of oil to the US, estimated at about $2.8 billion.

In a parallel development, US diplomats visited Caracas to evaluate the potential for reopening an embassy, as the new Venezuelan authorities initiate exploratory discussions on mending diplomatic ties that were severed in 2019.