US forces seize seventh Venezuelan oil tanker, intensify crackdown on illegal shipments
WASHINGTON (TNND) — U.S. military forces this week boarded and seized a seventh oil tanker linked to Venezuela, intensifying the Trump administration’s effort to take control of the country’s oil.
The U.S. Southern Command shared the news in a social media post on Tuesday.
"This morning, U.S. military forces, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended Motor Vessel Sagitta without incident," U.S. Southern Command announced on X.
"The apprehension of another tanker operating in defiance of President [Donald] Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean demonstrates our resolve to ensure that the only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully," the post noted.
The military command did not say whether the U.S. Coast Guard took control of the tanker, which has been the case in prior seizures. It added that the vessel was apprehended "without incident."
As part of Operation Southern Spear, U.S. Southern Command said military forces are reaffirming that "the security of the American people is paramount, demonstrating our commitment to safety and stability."
"Through #OpSouthernSpear, the @DeptofWar is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere in partnership with @USCG, @DHSgov and @TheJusticeDept.," according to the post.
U.S. Southern Command said the operations "are backed by the full power our elite joint force team deployed in the Caribbean."
Just a few weeks ago, President Donald Trump said Venezuela is set to deliver between 30 million and 50 million barrels of "high quality" oil to the U.S. He shared the news on Truth Social on January 6.
"I am pleased to announce that the interim authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 million barrels of high quality, sanctioned oil, to the United States of America," Trump wrote at the time.
"This oil will be sold at its market price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States," he added.
Trump also said the oil will be taken by storage ships and delivered directly to unloading docks in the U.S.
The announcement came just days after U.S. forces launched strikes on Venezuela and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.
