U.S. military forces seized a fifth oil tanker in the Caribbean near Trinidad early Friday, as part of an ongoing effort to target vessels allegedly violating sanctions related to Venezuela. The pre-dawn operation against the tanker, identified as the Olina, was conducted by U.S. Marines and Navy sailors, according to U.S. Southern Command.
Video footage released by officials showed U.S. forces landing on the ship's deck to seize the vessel. The assault was launched from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which is part of a U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean in recent months. U.S. Southern Command declared that "there is no safe haven for criminals" in its announcement of the seizure.
This interdiction is separate from previous U.S. operations initiated in the fall to target suspected drug boats off the coast of Venezuela. The U.S. has been increasing its presence in the Caribbean, citing concerns over illicit activities and regional security. The Trump administration had previously imposed sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry in an effort to pressure President Nicolas Maduro to step down. These sanctions prohibit U.S. companies and individuals from doing business with Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA.
The U.S. government alleges that the seized tankers were involved in sanctions-busting activities, transporting Venezuelan oil in violation of U.S. law. The specific details of the alleged violations related to the Olina have not been publicly released. The Venezuelan government has condemned the U.S. actions as acts of piracy and violations of international law. They maintain that their oil trade is legitimate and necessary for the country's economic survival.
The current status of the Olina and its crew is unclear. U.S. authorities are expected to conduct further investigations into the vessel's activities and determine the appropriate course of action, which could include forfeiture of the ship and its cargo. The U.S. government has not yet announced any specific timeline for the investigation or any potential legal proceedings.
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