The United States has intensified its crackdown on Venezuelan oil exports, seizing the tanker Olina in the Caribbean. This marks the fifth vessel intercepted in recent weeks as Washington seeks to enforce sanctions aimed at preventing sanctioned ships from transporting Venezuelan oil. The seizure is part of a broader US strategy to apply economic and strategic pressure on Caracas.
Targeting the ‘Ghost Fleet’
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the Olina as part of a “ghost fleet,” a term used for vessels suspected of falsifying their identities to transport embargoed oil. Noem said the tanker had departed Venezuela attempting to evade US forces. “The ghost fleets will not outrun justice,” she said, emphasizing that ships hiding under false claims of nationality would be intercepted. The Coast Guard executed the seizure, highlighting the US commitment to enforcing oil sanctions and disrupting illicit shipping routes (euronews).
These operations aim not only to block Venezuela’s oil revenue but also to send a signal to other countries and companies that attempting to bypass sanctions carries serious consequences. The Olina’s interception follows the capture of multiple other tankers, including a vessel with alleged links to Russia, which triggered a sharp rebuke from Moscow.
Military Precision and Coordination
The seizure involved a coordinated effort between US Marines and Navy personnel under the direction of US Southern Command. Forces launched a pre-dawn operation from the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier. Video footage released by the US military shows troops rappelling from helicopters to board the tanker and take control of the ship, underscoring the high level of precision and planning behind these operations (ChannelNewsAsia).
This operation forms part of a broader US naval presence in the Caribbean, which has recently targeted drug-trafficking vessels and other tankers suspected of violating sanctions. The goal is to create a strong deterrent against attempts to transport oil from Venezuela or import it illegally to other markets. Officials describe these missions as critical to enforcing international law and maintaining maritime security in the region.
Trump Signals Long-Term Control
President Donald Trump, who ordered the blockade last month, suggested in a recent interview that the US could exert control over Venezuela’s oil sector for an extended period. “Only time will tell,” he said, noting that the oversight could last far longer than initially expected. Trump’s comments reflect the administration’s willingness to maintain strategic pressure on Caracas while leveraging Venezuela’s oil resources as part of broader US policy in the region (InfoMarine).
The Olina operation highlights the increasing tension between the US, Venezuela, and other international actors. By intercepting these “ghost” tankers, the United States is sending a clear warning: attempts to evade sanctions will not be tolerated, and the military is prepared to take decisive action. Analysts suggest that these operations could escalate further, as Washington continues to combine economic measures with naval enforcement to influence political outcomes in Venezuela.
