In a significant escalation of its campaign to control Venezuela's oil exports, United States military forces have seized a fifth sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea. The predawn boarding operation on Friday targeted the vessel Olina, suspected of transporting embargoed crude from Venezuela.
Dramatic Raid on the "Ghost Fleet" Tanker
The seizure was executed by U.S. Marines and Navy sailors launched from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford. U.S. Southern Command, which oversaw the operation, released footage showing a military helicopter landing on the tanker and armed personnel searching the deck. Officials stated that the Coast Guard subsequently took control of the vessel.
In a social media post, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem identified the Olina as "another 'ghost fleet' tanker ship suspected of carrying embargoed oil." She stated the ship had departed Venezuela "attempting to evade U.S. forces." The term "ghost fleet" refers to vessels that obscure their ownership and location to circumvent sanctions.
A Strategic Push to Control Venezuela's Oil Lifeline
This marks the fifth tanker intercepted by U.S. forces as part of the Trump administration's intensified effort to dominate the production, refining, and global distribution of Venezuelan petroleum. The strategy follows the U.S.-backed ouster of President Nicolás Maduro.
While framed as a law enforcement action, administration officials have indicated the seizures are also a means to generate revenue. The U.S. expects to sell 30 million to 50 million barrels of seized Venezuelan oil, with proceeds intended for both nations. President Trump has also met with oil executives to discuss a potential $100 billion investment to rebuild Venezuela's energy infrastructure.
The Olina's Shadowy Journey and Broader Implications
Shipping records reveal the tanker's complex history. Previously named the Minerva M, it was sanctioned for moving Russian oil. Though currently flying the flag of Timor-Leste, it is listed internationally as having a false flag registration. The vessel had been running "dark," with its location beacon switched off since November.
According to Samir Madani of TankerTrackers.com, at least 16 tankers have recently left Venezuela in violation of the U.S.-imposed quarantine. The Olina was part of this flotilla and is estimated to be carrying 707,000 barrels of oil, worth over $42 million at current prices.
In a statement, Venezuela's government acknowledged cooperating with U.S. authorities to return the tanker, which it said had sailed "without payment or authorization." This suggests a level of coordination between Washington and Caracas, despite the underlying tensions over control of the country's vital oil resources.
