U.S. forces intercepted the tanker Olina before dawn in the Caribbean Sea, marking the fifth seizure tied to enforcement of sanctions on Venezuelan oil shipments.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The United States seized another sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea on Friday, continuing an intensified military campaign aimed at disrupting Venezuelan oil exports, according to U.S. officials.
The vessel, identified as the Olina, was intercepted before dawn in an operation carried out by the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy, the military said. The seizure marks the fifth time in recent weeks that U.S. forces have taken control of a sanctioned oil tanker traveling to or from Venezuela, as reported by The Associated Press.
According to U.S. Southern Command, the operation was part of a months-long buildup of U.S. forces in the Caribbean aimed at enforcing sanctions and countering illicit maritime activity linked to Venezuela’s oil trade.
“There is no safe haven for criminals,” Southern Command said in a statement announcing the seizure, underscoring Washington’s intent to tighten enforcement against vessels accused of violating U.S. sanctions.
Sanctioned oil tankers operating in Venezuelan trade routes have increasingly been targeted by U.S. military and law enforcement authorities as part of a broader effort to restrict revenue streams tied to the Venezuelan government. U.S. officials have said the recent seizures reflect a sustained campaign rather than isolated actions.
The military did not immediately disclose where the Olina was headed at the time of the interception or what actions will be taken against the ship and its cargo following the seizure.
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