In a significant escalation of pressure on Caracas, United States military forces have boarded and seized another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea. This marks the fifth such interception as part of Washington's ongoing campaign to enforce sanctions against Venezuela's oil exports.
Pre-Dawn Military Action in the Caribbean
The latest operation targeted the tanker named Olina and was carried out in the early hours of Friday. According to the US Southern Command, personnel from the US Marines and Navy executed the mission. This action is part of a months-long buildup of US forces in the Caribbean region.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared declassified footage on social media. The videos showed a US helicopter landing on the tanker's deck, personnel conducting searches, and what appeared to be an explosive device being used to breach a door leading into the ship.
Secretary Noem stated, "This is another 'ghost fleet' tanker ship suspected of carrying embargoed oil. It departed Venezuela attempting to evade U.S. forces." The term "ghost fleet" refers to vessels that use obscure ownership and disable tracking systems to circumvent international sanctions.
White House Meeting with Oil Giants
The seizure coincided with a major energy meeting at the White House. President Donald Trump met with executives from 17 major oil companies, including industry titans like Chevron, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips. The meeting was scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
The President's objective is reportedly to secure a staggering $100 billion in investments aimed at reviving Venezuela's crippled oil industry. This move comes amid the nation's severe economic instability and hyperinflation, conditions the US administration attributes to the rule of Nicolás Maduro.
Diplomatic Overtures Amid Tensions
Parallel to the military and economic actions, a subtle diplomatic channel has opened. A small US delegation, comprising diplomats and security officials, traveled to Venezuela on Friday. The State Department confirmed the visit, stating its purpose was to assess the potential for reopening the US Embassy in Caracas.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez acknowledged the American delegation's arrival. She announced that her government would send a reciprocal delegation to the United States.
Rodríguez said, "We have decided to initiate an exploratory process of a diplomatic nature with the Government of the United States of America, aimed at the re-establishment of diplomatic missions in both countries." She cited the need to address the consequences of the "aggression and kidnapping" of President Nicolás Maduro and the First Lady, along with establishing a mutual agenda.
These simultaneous events—a military seizure, a high-stakes corporate meeting, and diplomatic talks—paint a complex picture of the US strategy towards Venezuela. The approach combines hard power enforcement of sanctions with potential avenues for economic and diplomatic re-engagement, all under the shadow of the Trump administration's broader campaign against Maduro's government.
