The United States has intercepted another tanker attempting to transport embargoed Venezuelan oil, marking the fifth ship seized in recent weeks as Washington ramps up its naval presence in the Caribbean.
Crackdown on the “Ghost” Fleet
US Homeland Security Secretary Noem confirmed the tanker, Olina, is part of a “ghost fleet” — vessels that disguise their identity to evade sanctions. The ship reportedly departed Venezuela and tried to slip past US forces before being apprehended. “The ghost fleets will not outrun justice,” Noem said, highlighting the government’s crackdown on ships using deceptive tactics.
Joint Military Operation
US Southern Command stated that Marines and Navy personnel carried out a pre-dawn raid from the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. Video footage showed forces rappelling from helicopters to take control of the vessel, demonstrating the reach and coordination of American military operations in the region.
Long-Term Pressure on Venezuela
President Trump ordered a naval blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil shipments last month. Among recent seizures was a Russia-linked tanker, an operation condemned by Moscow. Trump indicated the US could maintain oversight of Venezuela’s oil industry for an extended period, signaling that American pressure on Caracas is far from over.
