7 months ago
US Seizes Sixth Venezuela-Linked Tanker
The United States has seized another oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea.
This tanker, named Motor Tanker Veronica, was operating in violation of US sanctions.
The seizure is part of a broader US effort to control Venezuela's oil resources and enforce sanctions.
The US has recently seized several other tankers and captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
The US government sees these actions as necessary to prevent illegal activities, while the Venezuelan government views them as interference in its sovereign affairs.
The seizures are part of Operation Southern Spear, which aims to stop illicit activities in the Western Hemisphere.
US forces seized the Motor Tanker Veronica in the Caribbean Sea for violating sanctions.
The seizure is part of Operation Southern Spear to enforce US sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports.
Three other tankers, including the Marinera, were seized last week.
US forces also captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
The US aims to control Venezuelan oil resources and prevent illicit activities through these seizures.
- Who
- US forces, Joint Task Force Southern Spear, Venezuelan government
- What
- Seizure of the Motor Tanker Veronica and enforcement of sanctions
- Where
- Caribbean Sea, Venezuelan waters
- When
- January 15, 2026
- Why
- To enforce sanctions and control Venezuelan oil exports
US Government
Venezuela Government
Sanctions Enforcement
US Government
The US is enforcing sanctions to control Venezuela's oil exports and prevent illicit activities.
Venezuela Government
Venezuela views these actions as illegal interference in its sovereign affairs and economic independence.
Key facts
- Tanker Seized
- Motor Tanker Veronica
- Operation Name
- Operation Southern Spear
- Sanctions Violation
- Operating in violation of President Trump's quarantine measures
- Previous Seizures
- Three tankers seized last week, including the Marinera
- US Forces Involved
- Joint Task Force Southern Spear, Marines, Sailors, USS Gerald R. Ford
- US Agencies Involved
- Department of Homeland Security, US Coast Guard, Department of Justice
- Venezuelan Figures Captured
- Former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife
Timeline
US orders Venezuelan oil tanker interception.
Then, on Dec 25, US seizes Motor Tanker Veronica.
Sixth Venezuela-linked tanker falls under US sanctions.
Quotes
Delcy Rodriguez
Interim president of Venezuela
“The envisioned legal reform would result in money for 'new fields, to fields where there has never been investment, and to fields where there is no infrastructure.'”
NDTV
“The changes would also touch on so-called anti-blockade provisions which give the government tools to counteract US sanctions in place since 2019.”
NDTV
Donald Trump
US President
“The United States essentially controls Venezuela, while making clear that accessing its vast oil reserves is a key goal of the intervention.”
NDTV
Chris Wright
US Energy Secretary
“Washington will control the sales of Venezuelan oil 'indefinitely.'”
NDTV
Sources
US seizes sixth Venezuela-linked tanker ahead of Trump's meeting with Maria Corina Machado
Venezuelan Vows Oil Sector Reform After Maduro Ouster
US seizes Venezuela-linked tanker ahead of Trump-Machado meeting
In Charts | Why Venezuela's oil production declined rapidly over past decade
US seizes sixth sanctioned tanker it says has ties to Venezuela in Trump’s effort to control its oil
US forces seize another sanctioned oil tanker in Caribbean linked to Venezuela
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