U.S. forces seized a fifth oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, officials said Friday, as the Trump administration continues its efforts to control exports of Venezuelan oil. The tanker, named Olina, is on multiple countries' sanctions lists and is the fifth vessel seized by the U.S. in recent weeks.

The U.S. is using these seizures to pressure Venezuela's interim government and dismantle what they call the "dark fleet" of tankers. Officials estimate this fleet consists of over 1,000 vessels involved in transporting sanctioned and illicit oil.

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

The vessel reportedly left Venezuelan waters late on Sunday, following an early morning raid by the U.S. that targeted President Nicolás Maduro, though details of that raid remain unclear.

Officials stated that Friday's operation was carried out before dawn by Marines and sailors in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. The Olina was seized after it "departed Venezuela attempting to evade U.S. forces," according to Homeland Security officials.

The seizures are part of a broader strategy by the U.S. government to economically isolate the Maduro regime. By targeting the tankers that transport Venezuelan oil, the U.S. aims to cut off a crucial source of revenue for the government. The U.S. maintains that Maduro's government is illegitimate and supports the interim government.

The use of sanctions and asset seizures as a foreign policy tool has become increasingly common. These actions are often justified as a means of combating illicit activities, such as drug trafficking and terrorism financing, and promoting democracy and human rights. However, critics argue that such measures can have unintended consequences, including harming innocent civilians and destabilizing economies.

The situation in Venezuela remains volatile. The country is facing a severe economic crisis, with widespread shortages of food, medicine, and other essential goods. The political situation is also deeply polarized, with ongoing tensions between the Maduro government and the opposition. The U.S. continues to exert pressure on the Maduro regime through sanctions and other measures, but the long-term impact of these policies remains to be seen. The seized tankers are currently being held in U.S. custody, and their future disposition will likely be determined by legal proceedings. The U.S. government has not yet announced any further actions related to the "dark fleet" or its efforts to control Venezuelan oil exports.