U.S. forces seized a fifth oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, officials said Friday, as the U.S. government continues its efforts to control exports of Venezuelan oil. The tanker, identified as the 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 that appeared to show troops descending onto a ship from a helicopter.

The Olina is on multiple countries' sanctions lists and is the fifth vessel to be 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 company added that the vessel's location tracker was last active northeast of Curacao.

The U.S. has been increasing its enforcement of sanctions against Venezuela's oil industry, aiming to restrict the flow of revenue to the government of President Nicolas Maduro. These sanctions are part of a broader effort to pressure Maduro to step down and allow for free and fair elections. The U.S. government maintains that Maduro's regime is illegitimate and has imposed sanctions on numerous Venezuelan officials and entities.

The seizure of the Olina represents the latest development in the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. The U.S. government has not yet announced specific details regarding the Olina's cargo or its intended destination. The vessel is now under U.S. custody, and further legal proceedings are expected.