UPDATE: U.S. military forces have just boarded another sanctioned oil tanker, the Olina, in the Caribbean Sea, marking a significant escalation in efforts to control Venezuelan oil distribution. This predawn operation, carried out on July 15, 2023, involved Marines and Navy sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and is part of a broader initiative to halt illicit oil trade linked to Venezuela.
Officials from U.S. Southern Command declared there is “no safe haven for criminals” as they announced the seizure of the Olina. The Coast Guard subsequently took control of the vessel. Footage shared by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on social media showed U.S. personnel conducting a search and reportedly disposing of an explosive device on board.
Noem described the Olina as “another ‘ghost fleet’ tanker ship suspected of carrying embargoed oil,” claiming it departed Venezuela intending to evade U.S. forces. This marks the fifth tanker seized by U.S. forces amid ongoing efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration to exert control over Venezuela’s oil reserves following the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro.
In a statement, the Venezuelan government acknowledged collaborating with U.S. authorities to return the Olina, which had “set sail without payment or authorization.” They emphasized the operation’s success in protecting their national interests.
According to maritime experts, the Olina is estimated to be carrying 707,000 barrels of oil, valued at over $42 million at current market prices. This seizure is not just about enforcement; it is part of a strategic effort to generate revenue and rebuild Venezuela’s battered oil industry.
Trump later indicated on social media that the U.S. and Venezuela are “working well together” to enhance oil and gas infrastructure, highlighting an initiative to potentially sell between 30 million to 50 million barrels of sanctioned Venezuelan oil, with proceeds aimed at benefiting both nations.
The Olina, previously known as the Minerva M, was flagged in Panama but is now registered under Timor-Leste, although its registration is deemed invalid. It has not transmitted its location since November, raising further suspicions about its activities.
U.S. officials anticipate continued operations to monitor and seize vessels violating sanctions. Vice President JD Vance underscored the U.S. strategic position, stating that the country can “control” Venezuela’s oil revenue channels.
As tensions escalate in the region, the implications of these actions are profound, impacting not only the Venezuelan economy but also U.S. foreign policy in Latin America. The international community is closely watching how these developments unfold, as they may reshape the dynamics of oil distribution and political alliances in the region.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the situation evolves.
