U.S. Forces Seize Seventh Venezuelan-Linked Oil Tanker in Caribbean Operation
In a significant escalation of maritime enforcement actions, United States military forces have boarded and taken control of a seventh oil tanker connected with Venezuela. This operation occurred on Tuesday as part of the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to assert control over the South American nation's oil resources.
Incident Details and Official Statement
U.S. Southern Command announced the apprehension of the Motor Vessel Sagitta through a social media post, stating the operation was conducted "without incident." The military command emphasized that the tanker was operating in defiance of President Donald Trump's established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean region.
The official statement declared that this capture "demonstrates our resolve to ensure that the only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully." While the military command did not specify whether U.S. Coast Guard personnel were involved in this particular seizure, previous tanker captures have involved Coast Guard participation.
Vessel Background and Sanctions Context
The Sagitta is registered as a Liberian-flagged tanker with ownership and management listed to a company based in Hong Kong. According to tracking data, the vessel last transmitted its location position more than two months ago while exiting the Baltic Sea in northern Europe.
This tanker had previously been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department under an executive order related to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. However, U.S. Southern Command indicated the vessel had recently taken on oil from Venezuela, connecting it to the broader sanctions enforcement effort against the South American country.
Visual Evidence and Presidential Comments
The military command released what appeared to be aerial footage showing the Sagitta sailing on open waters. Unlike previous seizure videos that depicted dramatic helicopter approaches and deck landings, this footage showed only the vessel in transit without visible U.S. military presence.
President Trump addressed reporters just hours before the announcement, revealing that the United States has already taken approximately 50 million barrels of oil out of Venezuela. Speaking at the White House, he stated, "We've got millions of barrels of oil left. We're selling it on the open market. We're bringing down oil prices incredibly."
Ongoing Enforcement and Regional Implications
This latest seizure represents the seventh such action against Venezuelan-linked oil tankers as the Trump administration continues its comprehensive approach to restricting Venezuela's oil exports. The Pentagon has not provided immediate additional details regarding the operation or clarified which specific military units participated in the boarding.
The enforcement actions occur within the context of broader economic pressure against Venezuela's government and its petroleum industry, with U.S. officials maintaining that only properly coordinated and lawful oil shipments should leave Venezuelan waters.
