U.S. Forces Seize Oil Tanker Olina in Caribbean Raid: Impact on Venezuela's Oil Trade
U.S. military forces conducted a predawn raid on an oil tanker named the Olina in the Caribbean Sea. The operation involved Marines and Navy sailors from the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. The seizure of the tanker is part of the U.S. government's efforts to control Venezuela's oil trade. The Coast Guard took control of the vessel after the raid.
The U.S. Southern Command emphasized that there is no safe haven for criminals as they announced the seizure of the Olina. The operation was captured in unclassified footage shared on social media by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The ship was suspected of carrying embargoed oil and had departed Venezuela to evade U.S. forces.
This is the fifth tanker seized by U.S. forces as part of the Trump administration's strategy to control Venezuela's oil production and distribution. The operation was said to be conducted in coordination with the Interim Authorities of Venezuela. The Venezuelan government acknowledged the incident and stated that the ship was sailing back to Venezuelan waters.
The Olina, previously known as Minerva M, was sanctioned for transporting Russian oil and flagged in Panama. Despite claiming to fly the flag of Timor-Leste, the ship is listed with a false flag in the international shipping registry. The vessel's location beacon has been turned off since November, indicating it has been running dark.
The seizure of the Olina is seen as a way to generate cash to rebuild Venezuela's oil industry and economy. President Trump aims to sell sanctioned Venezuelan oil to benefit both the U.S. and Venezuelan people. The administration plans to invest $100 billion in Venezuela's oil infrastructure. Vice President JD Vance mentioned that the U.S. can control Venezuela's purse strings by dictating where its oil can be sold.
The Olina is estimated to be carrying 707,000 barrels of oil, valued at over $42 million at the current market price. The operation reflects the ongoing efforts of the U.S. government to exert control over Venezuela's oil trade and economy.