Washington DC: The United States has intercepted and seized the Venezuelan-linked oil tanker Olina in the Caribbean, marking the fifth such seizure under Operation Southern Spear and reaffirming US naval dominance in the region.
US seizes fifth Venezuelan-linked oil tanker Olina in Caribbean
In a show of continued maritime dominance, the United States intercepted and seized the sanctioned oil tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea on January 9, 2026. The vessel, linked to Venezuela, was apprehended as part of Operation Southern Spear, a broader effort by the US to control the distribution of Venezuelan oil products globally following the ouster of President Nicolás Maduro.
Pre-dawn seizure carried out by joint forces
According to the US Southern Command, Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear launched the operation from the USS Gerald R. Ford before dawn. The seizure was conducted without incident, and the operation was backed by the full strength of the US Navy's Amphibious Ready Group, including the USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, and USS Fort Lauderdale.
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'No safe haven for criminals,' warns US forces
In a statement, the US Southern Command emphasized that such operations demonstrate the US commitment to ending illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere. The command stated, "There is no safe haven for criminals," underlining its intention to deter illegal oil shipments from Venezuela.
Fifth tanker seizure underscores ongoing policy
The Olina marks the fifth tanker seized under the Trump administration's initiative to control the export of Venezuelan oil. This strategy has already seen previous vessels, including the Russian-flagged Bella 1, intercepted, raising questions about international enforcement of sanctions and maritime security in the Atlantic and Caribbean.
Geopolitical tensions rise as Russia protests
Russia strongly condemned the seizure, calling it a provocative act that could escalate military and political tensions in the Euro-Atlantic region. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that such actions lower the threshold for the use of force against peaceful shipping. President Vladimir Putin has yet to comment directly on the Olina seizure.
Coast Guard role remains unclear
While previous tanker seizures involved the US Coast Guard, officials have not confirmed its participation in the latest operation. A spokesperson for the Coast Guard declined to comment on the action.
Strategic implications and future operations
Analysts say the seizure demonstrates US naval dominance and sends a clear message to those attempting to bypass international sanctions. The operation also highlights the growing significance of Caribbean maritime routes in geopolitical and economic strategies, particularly concerning Venezuelan oil and Russian maritime interests.