US forces have seized another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, the military said on Friday, as the Trump administration continues its crackdown on vessels suspected of transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil.
According to the US Southern Command, the pre-dawn operation involved US Marines and Navy personnel and was part of a months-long military buildup in the region. The seized vessel, identified as Olina, was intercepted in international waters. Announcing the action, the command said there was “no safe haven for criminals,” the Associated Press reported.
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the Coast Guard intercepted and seized the motor tanker near the Caribbean, describing the move as a strong message to “the world’s criminals”. Sharing an unclassified video of the operation, Noem claimed the vessel was part of a suspected “ghost fleet” transporting sanctioned oil after leaving Venezuela and attempting to evade US authorities.
“We are deeply proud of the Coast Guard’s maritime fighting force for the relentless execution of this mission,” Noem said, adding, “This is owning the sea.”
She said the operation was carried out in close coordination with defence, state and justice agencies to ensure it complied with legal requirements. Warning that “ghost fleets will not outrun justice,” Noem said the Coast Guard would continue to seize sanctioned vessels, enforce international law and cut off illicit funding linked to crimes such as narco-terrorism.
The Olina is the fifth tanker seized by US forces as part of a broader effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to restrict the global movement of Venezuelan oil products following the US-led ouster of President Nicolás Maduro in a surprise overnight operation.
The latest action comes just two days after US forces boarded a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic after it departed Venezuela. That operation followed a weeks-long pursuit, involved Russian naval assets and was carried out with the knowledge and approval of the United Kingdom.
The seizure prompted a sharp reaction from Moscow, with Russia’s Transport Ministry stating that “no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in other states’ jurisdictions.”
At least three Indians were among the 28 crew members aboard the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera. Following the seizure, Russia asked the US to ensure humane treatment of the detained crew and called for the early release of all foreign nationals.
In a related operation on the same day, US forces also seized another tanker, M/T Sophia, accusing it of being involved in what Washington described as “illicit activities.”