U.S. Military Seizes Seventh Oil Tanker in Caribbean to Enforce Sanctions
The U.S. military detained another oil tanker in the Caribbean, marking the seventh vessel seized as part of the Trump administration's efforts to enforce sanctions in the region. The operation involved U.S. Coast Guard officials, Navy, and Marines who captured the Motor Vessel Sagitta without any issues, as confirmed by the U.S. Southern Command (Southcom). Southcom emphasized the importance of upholding the quarantine on sanctioned vessels leaving Venezuela to ensure lawful coordination of oil shipments. The joint force team deployed in the Caribbean supports these operations, as demonstrated by the recent apprehension of the Veronica tanker, the sixth vessel linked to Venezuela seized by U.S. forces. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that while the U.S. does not aim to govern Venezuela, it will continue to enforce the oil quarantine on vessels entering and exiting the country.