U.S. forces seized a fifth oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, officials said Friday, as the U.S. continues its efforts to control exports of Venezuelan oil. The tanker, named Olina, was "apprehended" by Marines and sailors in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, according to a post on X by U.S. Southern Command.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated the Olina was "another 'ghost fleet' tanker ship suspected of carrying embargoed oil" and was seized after it "departed Venezuela attempting to evade US forces." Noem also posted a video online appearing to show troops descending onto a ship from a helicopter.

The Olina is on multiple countries' sanctions lists and is the fifth vessel seized by the U.S. in recent weeks. Maritime risk company Vanguard Tech reported the vessel was attempting to break through the U.S. naval blockade in the Caribbean. The vessel's location tracker was last active northeast of Curacao, according to Vanguard Tech.

The seizures are part of a broader U.S. strategy to pressure the Venezuelan government by restricting its access to oil revenue. The U.S. maintains sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry, accusing the government of President Nicolas Maduro of corruption and human rights abuses. These sanctions prohibit U.S. companies and individuals from engaging in transactions involving Venezuelan oil.

U.S. Southern Command stated on X, "Once again, our joint interagency forces sent a clear message this morning: 'there is no safe haven for criminals.'"

The U.S. actions have been criticized by some as a form of economic warfare, while supporters argue they are necessary to promote democracy and human rights in Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has condemned the seizures as acts of piracy and violations of international law. The long-term impact of these seizures on Venezuela's oil industry and its relationship with the U.S. remains to be seen.