Venezuela's interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, has enlisted the support of the U.S. military to retrieve an oil tanker that departed the country without authorization, according to sources close to the Venezuelan government who requested anonymity. This collaboration marks the first publicly acknowledged instance of military cooperation between the two nations since the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro.

The tanker, identified as either the Olina or Minerva M, left a port in eastern Venezuela late last weekend without the approval of port authorities or the state oil company, PDVSA, amidst the upheaval following Maduro's departure, according to satellite imagery and the aforementioned sources. PDVSA stated that it had not received payment for the crude oil aboard the vessel.

"The tanker launched without payment, nor the authorization of Venezuelan authorities," PDVSA said in a statement released Friday, further acknowledging the assistance of the U.S. government in facilitating its return.

Rodríguez's move to involve the U.S. military is seen as an effort to solidify her control over the oil-rich nation during a period of significant power and wealth redistribution. The sudden change in leadership has created a power vacuum, and Rodríguez is seeking to assert her authority.

The unusual alliance between the U.S. and Venezuela comes after years of strained relations under Maduro's leadership. The U.S. had previously imposed sanctions on Venezuela, targeting its oil sector and key government officials, in response to concerns about human rights abuses and democratic backsliding. The decision to cooperate on this matter suggests a potential shift in the dynamic between the two countries, at least in the short term.

The circumstances surrounding the tanker's unauthorized departure remain unclear. Some analysts suggest that the vessel may have been attempting to circumvent sanctions or that it was caught in the confusion following the change in government. The incident highlights the challenges facing the new Venezuelan leadership as it seeks to stabilize the country and regain control over its vital oil industry.

The current location of the tanker is unknown, but officials from both the U.S. and Venezuela are reportedly working to ensure its safe return to Venezuelan waters. The incident is likely to fuel further debate about the future of Venezuela's oil industry and the role of international actors in the country's political transition.