US forces have seized a fifth oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea, according to American officials, as the Trump administration steps up efforts to control Venezuelan oil exports.
The vessel, named Olina, is listed under multiple international sanctions and is the latest ship targeted in a widening crackdown on what US officials describe as a “dark fleet” transporting sanctioned oil.
The US military’s Southern Command said the operation sent a clear warning to those involved in illicit oil trafficking.
“Once again, our joint interagency forces sent a clear message: there is no safe haven for criminals,” Southern Command said in a statement on Friday.
Officials said the tanker left Venezuelan waters late Sunday, shortly after US forces seized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro during a pre-dawn raid. The Olina was intercepted after allegedly attempting to evade US naval forces.
The seizure was carried out before dawn by US Marines and Navy personnel, working alongside the Department of Homeland Security.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the vessel as a “ghost fleet” tanker suspected of carrying embargoed oil. Posting on X, she shared footage appearing to show troops descending onto the ship from a helicopter and said the mission was conducted safely and effectively.
Maritime intelligence firm Vanguard Tech said the tanker was attempting to break through the US naval blockade in the Caribbean. The company added that the Olina had been sailing under a false flag registered to Timor-Leste, making it effectively stateless under international maritime law.
According to Vanguard Tech, the ship’s tracking system had been inactive for more than 50 days, and its seizure followed a prolonged US pursuit of tankers suspected of moving sanctioned Venezuelan oil.
The Olina, previously known as Minerva M, was sanctioned by the US last year over allegations it helped finance Russia’s war in Ukraine by transporting Russian oil to overseas markets.
Earlier this week, US authorities seized two additional tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports in rapid succession in the North Atlantic and Caribbean.
One of those vessels, the Russian-flagged Marinera, was intercepted with logistical assistance from the UK’s Royal Navy. US officials said the ship was part of a shadow fleet moving oil for Venezuela, Russia and Iran, in violation of US sanctions. They also alleged it had falsely flown the flag of Guyana, rendering it stateless.
The second tanker, M/T Sophia, was accused by US authorities of engaging in illicit maritime activities.
Under international maritime law, stateless vessels can be boarded and seized, experts told BBC Verify.
President Donald Trump has said Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, will transfer up to 50 million barrels of oil — valued at about $2.8bn (£2.1bn) — to the United States.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the oil would be sold at market rates, with Washington controlling how the proceeds are distributed “in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people”.
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