U.S. military forces are continuing operations to seize a sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, marking the fifth such interdiction in recent weeks, according to official statements from U.S. Southern Command. The operation is part of an ongoing campaign by U.S. authorities targeting vessels suspected of violating sanctions related to Venezuelan oil exports.

In the early hours of Friday, U.S. Marines and Navy personnel launched a pre-dawn boarding action against the vessel identified by the U.S. military as the Olina. The boarding and seizure were carried out in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and supported by military assets in the Caribbean region, including forces deployed from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford.

According to official military statements, the Olina had departed Venezuelan waters and was under suspicion of attempting to evade U.S. enforcement efforts. Homeland Security leadership described the ship as part of so-called “ghost fleet” tankers — vessels that allegedly operate with falsified registration or without valid flags to avoid detection and sanctions enforcement.

U.S. Southern Command and Homeland Security officials posted unclassified footage showing helicopters and boarding teams on the deck of the vessel. After securing the ship, control was transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard for escort and further disposition. While specific cargo details have not been publicly disclosed, U.S. military and government personnel have framed the action as enforcing sanctions and preventing illicit maritime activity.

This fifth seizure follows a series of interdictions over recent weeks, including earlier operations involving other tankers accused of transporting embargoed Venezuelan oil or operating under false flags. These actions form part of a broader U.S. strategy in the region accompanied by expanded naval presence and enforcement measures against vessels defying U.S. sanctions.

Venezuela’s government has previously condemned similar U.S. actions as unlawful and a violation of maritime norms. U.S. officials, however, maintain the operations are lawful and necessary to uphold sanctions and address illegal activities at sea. The situation remains active, with U.S. forces engaged and enforcement operations continuing in the Caribbean.

Sources

• Associated Press (via AP News)
• Reuters (via major international newswire)