> At a Glance
> – U.S. Marines and Navy sailors seized the Olina tanker in a predawn Caribbean raid
> – The tanker was carrying 707,000 barrels of oil worth $42 million
> – This marks the fifth tanker seizure as the U.S. targets Venezuela’s oil trade
> – Why it matters: The operation signals intensifying U.S. efforts to control Venezuela’s oil distribution and revenue
U.S. forces have seized another oil tanker in the Caribbean, marking the fifth such operation as the Trump administration intensifies its campaign to control Venezuela’s oil trade. The Olina was boarded in a predawn raid by Marines and Navy personnel launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford.
The Operation
The raid occurred in the early morning hours as U.S. forces targeted what officials call a “ghost fleet” tanker attempting to evade detection. Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary, posted footage showing a helicopter landing on the vessel and personnel conducting searches.
U.S. Southern Command declared “there is no safe haven for criminals” as they announced the seizure. The Coast Guard subsequently took control of the vessel.
Tanker Details
The Olina has a complex history:
- Previously sanctioned under the name Minerva M for moving Russian oil
- Currently flies a Timor-Leste flag, though registered as having false documentation
- Owner changed to a Hong Kong company in July
- Last transmitted its position in November before running dark
President Trump stated the operation was conducted “in coordination with the Interim Authorities of Venezuela,” though the White House provided no additional details.
Venezuela’s Response
Venezuela’s government acknowledged working with U.S. authorities to return the tanker, claiming it “set sail without payment or authorization from Venezuelan authorities.”
According to their statement: “Thanks to this first successful joint operation, the ship is sailing back to Venezuelan waters for its protection and relevant actions.”
Broader Implications
The Trump administration has built extensive Caribbean forces to enforce sanctions on Venezuelan oil. Samir Madani from TankerTrackers.com documented at least 16 tankers leaving Venezuela despite the U.S. quarantine.
The administration plans to sell 30-50 million barrels of sanctioned Venezuelan oil, with proceeds benefiting both nations. Trump met with oil executives about investing $100 billion to rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.
Vice President JD Vance told Fox News the U.S. can “control” Venezuela’s “purse strings” by dictating where its oil is sold.
Key Takeaways
- The Olina seizure represents escalating U.S. efforts to control Venezuela’s oil distribution
- The tanker carried 707,000 barrels valued at approximately $42 million
- At least 16 tankers have defied the U.S. naval quarantine
- The operation was the fifth such seizure by U.S. forces
- Venezuela claims the tanker departed without proper authorization
This latest seizure underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to controlling Venezuela’s oil trade as part of broader efforts to influence the nation’s political and economic future.
