In a significant escalation of maritime enforcement operations, United States forces have captured the oil tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea, marking the fifth such seizure in recent weeks as the Trump administration intensifies its campaign against Venezuelan oil exports. The vessel, which appears on multiple international sanctions lists, was intercepted after departing Venezuelan waters in what officials described as an attempt to evade US naval forces.
The early morning operation, conducted jointly by Marines and naval personnel in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, represents the latest effort to dismantle what US officials term the ‘dark fleet’—an estimated network of over 1,000 vessels allegedly transporting sanctioned and illicit oil. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem characterized the intercepted vessel as another ‘ghost fleet’ tanker suspected of carrying embargoed oil, sharing video footage that appeared to show troops rappelling onto the ship from helicopters.
Maritime intelligence firm Vanguard Tech reported that the Olina had been attempting to breach the US naval blockade in the Caribbean while sailing under a false flag registered to Timor-Leste. The vessel’s location transponder had been inactive for 52 days prior to its capture northeast of Curaçao, indicating sophisticated evasion tactics.
The seizure follows back-to-back interdictions earlier this week of two additional tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports, including the Russian-flagged Marinera captured with support from the UK Royal Navy. US authorities allege these vessels form part of a shadow network transporting oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran in violation of international sanctions.
This maritime enforcement campaign coincides with diplomatic developments, as US officials visited Caracas on Friday to explore re-establishing diplomatic relations severed by former President Nicolás Maduro in 2019. The Trump administration has simultaneously announced plans to take control of up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil worth approximately $2.8 billion, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating proceeds would be distributed ‘in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people.’
The US military’s Southern Command declared the operations send a ‘clear message that there is no safe haven for criminals,’ underscoring the administration’s multifaceted approach combining naval power, economic pressure, and diplomatic engagement toward Venezuela.