WASHINGTON, D.C., United States, January 9 — States naval forces have seized another oil tanker near Venezuela, marking the fifth such interception in a sustained campaign against sanctioned shipping. The pre-dawn capture of the Motor-Tanker Olina highlights Washington’s escalating use of military assets to enforce economic pressure on the government of Nicolás Maduro.
What happened with the tanker Olina?
In the early hours, U.S. Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear boarded and took control of the Olina in the Caribbean Sea. The operation launched from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and involved support from other warships. U.S. Southern Command stated the seizure was conducted “without incident” and in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. Officials have not yet clarified if the U.S. Coast Guard participated.
Why does this seizure matter now?
The Olina is the fifth vessel captured as part of a clear U.S. strategy to physically disrupt Venezuela’s oil trade. This follows the U.S. government’s rejection of Maduro’s 2024 re-election and its recognition of a different political leader. Each seizure aims to cut off a vital financial lifeline for Caracas.
- The previous four seizures occurred over the past 14 months.
- The U.S. recognizes opposition figure María Corina Machado as the winner of the 2024 presidential primaries.
The action also arrives at a diplomatically sensitive moment. Just a day prior, Russia condemned the U.S. seizure of a separate, Russian-flagged tanker in the North Atlantic. Moscow warned such acts lower the “threshold for the use of force” and could escalate tensions, potentially affecting other negotiations.
What is the broader U.S. strategy?
The operation is part of “Operation Southern Spear,” a military-led effort described as defending the U.S. homeland by ending illicit activity. A U.S. Southern Command post on X stated, “there is no safe haven for criminals.” The military emphasizes these actions are backed by a full Amphibious Ready Group, signaling a long-term, naval-centric approach to sanctions enforcement far from U.S. shores. This moves beyond traditional monitoring to active, physical interdiction.
Once again, our joint interagency forces sent a clear message this morning: “there is no safe haven for criminals.”
In a pre-dawn action, Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, launched from the USS Gerald R.… pic.twitter.com/StHo4ufcdx
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) January 9, 2026
FAQs
Q: Which tanker did the US seize?
A: The U.S. seized the Motor-Tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea.
Q: Why is the US seizing these tankers?
A: The U.S. is enforcing sanctions aimed at restricting the global sale of Venezuelan oil, a key source of revenue for President Nicolás Maduro’s government.
Q: Was there any conflict during the seizure?
A: No. U.S. Southern Command reported the apprehension of the Olina was conducted “without incident.”
Q: How has Russia reacted to similar seizures?
A: Russia strongly condemned the U.S. seizure of a different tanker, the ‘Bella 1’ or ‘Marinera’, calling it an escalation that threatens peaceful shipping.
