Archive · 10 Jan 2026
US Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker Olina
The United States has seized a tanker named Olina in the Caribbean Sea.
This tanker was previously known as the Minerva M and was sanctioned by the US in January 2023 for being part of a group of ships called the shadow fleet, which operate with little regulation.
The Olina had recently left Venezuela fully loaded with oil and was returning to Venezuela.
The US is trying to control Venezuelan oil exports, and this seizure is part of their efforts.
The tanker was falsely flying the flag of Timor Leste, and its last known position was 52 days ago in the Venezuelan exclusive economic zone.
The seizure was carried out by the US military in a pre-dawn mission.
The US has seized several other tankers in recent weeks as part of their efforts to curb Venezuelan oil exports.
The US military seized the Olina tanker in the Caribbean Sea on January 9, 2024.
The Olina was previously named Minerva M and was sanctioned in January 2023.
The tanker was part of a shadow fleet of ships with little regulation.
The Olina left Venezuela fully loaded with oil on January 3 and was returning to Venezuela.
The seizure is part of US efforts to control Venezuelan oil exports and is the fifth such action in recent weeks.
- Who
- US military, Joint Task Force Southern Spear, Department of Homeland Security
- What
- Seizure of the Olina tanker
- When
- January 9, 2024
- Where
- Caribbean Sea
- Why
- To control Venezuelan oil exports and due to the tanker being part of a shadow fleet
US Government
Venezuelan Government
Sanctions and Seizures
US Government
The US justifies the seizures as necessary to enforce sanctions and prevent illicit oil exports from Venezuela.
Venezuelan Government
Venezuela views these actions as illegal and an infringement on its sovereign right to export its natural resources.
- Tanker Name
- Olina (formerly Minerva M)
- Location
- Caribbean Sea
- Sanctions Imposed
- January 2023
- Previous Flag
- Timor Leste (falsely flying)
- Last Known Position
- 52 days ago in Venezuelan EEZ
- Reason for Seizure
- Part of shadow fleet with little regulation
- Recent Activity
- Left Venezuela fully loaded with oil on January 3
- Purpose of Seizure
- Control Venezuelan oil exports
- Seizure Date
- January 9, 2024
- Seizure Operation
- Operation Southern Spear
Sources
US in process of seizing Olina tanker in the Caribbean, US official says
US in the process of seizing another sanctioned vessel in the Caribbean
US military seizes another oil tanker in Caribbean Sea as Trump cracks down on Venezuela exports to Russia
US seizes Olina tanker in Caribbean, targets fifth vessel in efforts to curb Venezuelan oil exports
US seizes Olina tanker in Caribbean, fifth vessel taken in Venezuela blockade
US forces seize another oil tanker in Caribbean amid Venezuela sanctions crackdown
Trump to meet Venezuela’s Machado next week. Will he accept Nobel Peace Prize she wants to share with him?
Shadow fleet targeted: US intercepts fifth oil tanker linked to Venezuela
US Seizes Another Venezuela-Linked Oil Tanker In 'Call Of Duty' Style Op
US seizes another oil tanker ‘Olina’ in Caribbean Sea, marking 3rd seizure in a week
US Seizes 5th Sanctioned Oil Tanker As It Steps Up Efforts To Curb Venezuelan Oil Exports
US Forces seize fifth sanctioned oil tanker in Caribbean as Trump pushes to control Venezuelan oil exports
Ukrainian nationals aboard seized tanker Bella-1, ambassador says
US Military Intercepts Another Sanctioned Oil Tanker in Caribbean
Four tankers that had left Venezuela in ‘dark mode’ are back in its waters
