Archive · 16 Jan 2026
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
- When
- January 15, 2026
- Where
- Caribbean Sea, Venezuelan waters
- 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.
- 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
Sources
US seizes sixth Venezuela-linked tanker ahead of Trump's meeting with Maria Corina Machado
US seizes Venezuela-linked tanker ahead of Trump-Machado meeting
US forces seize another sanctioned oil tanker in Caribbean linked to Venezuela
US seizes sixth sanctioned tanker it says has ties to Venezuela in Trump’s effort to control its oil
Venezuelan Vows Oil Sector Reform After Maduro Ouster
