UPDATE: U.S. military forces have intercepted yet another sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, marking the fifth vessel seized in an escalating operation against Venezuelan oil smuggling. This urgent raid took place early on Friday, October 20, 2023, as part of a broader initiative to exert control over Venezuela’s oil distribution.
The tanker, identified as the Olina, was boarded by U.S. Marines and Navy sailors launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford. U.S. Southern Command declared, “there is no safe haven for criminals,” emphasizing the military’s commitment to enforcing sanctions against Venezuelan oil shipments. Footage shared by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on social media shows U.S. personnel executing the operation, which included disposing of what appeared to be an explosive device onboard.
Noem described the Olina as a “ghost fleet” tanker suspected of carrying embargoed oil, having departed Venezuela while attempting to evade U.S. forces. This seizure aligns with the Trump administration’s strategy to disrupt Venezuelan oil production and distribution following the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro.
In a statement, President Donald Trump claimed the seizure occurred “in coordination with the Interim Authorities of Venezuela,” although details remain sparse. Venezuela’s government acknowledged the situation, stating they are collaborating with U.S. authorities to return the tanker, which reportedly set sail without proper authorization.
According to Samir Madani, co-founder of TankerTrackers.com, at least 16 tankers have attempted to leave the Venezuelan coast in violation of the quarantine established by U.S. forces. The Olina, previously sanctioned for transporting Russian oil under its former name, Minerva M, is now flagged in Timor-Leste, but it is listed as having a false registration.
Reports indicate that the Olina is carrying an estimated 707,000 barrels of oil, worth over $42 million at current market prices of approximately $60 per barrel. The Trump administration aims to sell between 30 million to 50 million barrels of sanctioned Venezuelan oil, with proceeds intended to benefit both U.S. and Venezuelan citizens.
In a recent meeting with oil executives, Trump announced plans to invest $100 billion in Venezuelan oil infrastructure, highlighting a strategic move to control Venezuela’s economic resources. Vice President JD Vance reinforced this by stating that the U.S. can “control” Venezuela’s financial resources through oil sales.
As tensions rise and operations intensify, all eyes remain on U.S. actions in the Caribbean and their implications for Venezuela’s oil industry and economy. The situation is developing rapidly, with significant impacts expected on both nations’ oil sectors.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, and share this urgent news with others to keep them informed.
