The United States military seized the Olina tanker in the Caribbean Sea on Friday, the fifth such seizure as part of its ongoing pressure campaign against Venezuela. According to a statement released by the U.S. military Southern Command, the apprehension of the sanctioned vessel occurred without incident. The statement emphasized the interagency effort, stating, "Once again, our joint interagency forces sent a clear message this morning: there is no safe haven for criminals." The Southern Command did not elaborate on the specific reasons for targeting the Olina or detail the alleged violations that led to the seizure.

U.S. government records indicate the Olina was previously sanctioned for transporting Russian oil, a practice that violates existing U.S. sanctions aimed at both Venezuela and Russia. These sanctions are designed to limit the financial resources available to the Venezuelan government and to curtail Russia's ability to fund its activities.

The seizure highlights the increasing use of AI-powered maritime surveillance technologies in enforcing international sanctions. These systems utilize machine learning algorithms to analyze vast datasets, including vessel tracking information, trade patterns, and financial transactions, to identify potential sanctions violations. AI's ability to process and correlate this information far exceeds human capabilities, enabling authorities to detect illicit activities with greater speed and accuracy. The implications of this technology extend beyond sanctions enforcement, raising questions about privacy and the potential for algorithmic bias in maritime law enforcement.

This latest action follows previous seizures of Venezuela-linked oil tankers in the Caribbean and North Atlantic. In December 2025, a U.S. military helicopter was photographed flying over the Panama-flagged Centuries tanker in the Caribbean Sea, indicating a similar operation. These seizures are part of a broader U.S. strategy to exert economic pressure on Venezuela, aiming to influence political change within the country.

The U.S. approach has drawn criticism from some international observers, who argue that such actions can exacerbate humanitarian crises and disproportionately impact the Venezuelan population. Others maintain that the sanctions are a necessary tool to combat corruption and promote democracy. The debate underscores the complex ethical and geopolitical considerations surrounding the use of economic sanctions and the role of AI in their enforcement.

The Olina is currently being held in a U.S. port, and the U.S. Department of Justice is expected to conduct an investigation into the alleged sanctions violations. The fate of the vessel and its crew will depend on the outcome of this investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings. The White House has previously stated that crews of seized tankers violating sanctions could face prosecution.