Under the veil of pre-dawn darkness, U.S. forces executed a coordinated seizure of a sixth Venezuelan oil tanker in Caribbean waters. The operation, a joint effort involving multiple federal departments, unfolded with precision and speed.
This latest action occurred just hours before a scheduled meeting between President Trump and Maria Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate. The timing underscored the administration’s firm stance regarding Venezuela’s oil trade.
The Motor Tanker Veronica, already sanctioned, was intercepted in what officials described as a “safe, seamless operation” adhering to both U.S. and international legal standards. The Coast Guard emphasized their commitment to defending American borders and confronting threats on the high seas.
Marines and Sailors, launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford, swiftly boarded the vessel without incident as part of Joint Task Force Southern Spear. This operation demonstrated the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to disrupt illicit oil trafficking in the region.
Officials stated that any oil leaving Venezuela must be properly coordinated and lawful. This seizure reinforces a clear message: attempts to circumvent sanctions will be met with decisive action.
Dramatic video footage captured the boarding operation, showcasing Sailors and Marines approaching the tanker via helicopter. The images highlighted the calculated and professional nature of the intervention.
The operation is part of a broader strategy, initiated in early December, to target a “dark fleet” of tankers operating outside the bounds of international law. To date, six such vessels have been seized.
This assertive move follows earlier statements from President Trump asserting U.S. control over Venezuela and its oil resources. He indicated expectations for significant investment to revitalize the nation’s infrastructure.
Homeland Security officials declared that American justice is inescapable, emphasizing the unwavering resolve and improved coordination among agencies involved in these operations. The message sent is clear: defiance will not go unanswered.
The ongoing seizures represent a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to enforce sanctions and reshape the dynamics of Venezuela’s oil industry, aiming to control the flow of resources and support a transition in leadership.
