US seizes fifth oil tanker amid ongoing pressure campaign against Venezuela.
The recent seizure of oil tankers by U.S. military forces highlights an escalating and contentious phase in international maritime operations, particularly concerning Venezuela. As the U.S. intensifies its blockade against vessels it sanctions, the geopolitical ramifications of such actions not only affect regional stability but also raise critical questions about international law and sovereignty. This sequence of events reflects ongoing tensions in global energy markets and the complex interplay between national interests and international norms.
The United States military has engaged in another operation targeting oil tankers in the Caribbean as part of its focused efforts against vessels sanctioned by Washington in its broader strategy against Venezuela. According to a statement released by the U.S. military Southern Command, forces successfully “apprehended” the Olina tanker without incident. However, details regarding the specific reasons for this seizure or any alleged regulatory infractions were not disclosed.
Reports indicate that the Olina tanker had previously been sanctioned for transporting Russian oil, paralleling a surge in U.S. actions against such vessels. This latest seizure follows the U.S. military’s recent capture of two other oil tankers, including the Russian-flagged Marinera, previously known as the Bella-1. In the wake of these events, the U.S. Department of Justice has announced an investigation into the crew of the Marinera for purportedly non-compliance with coast guard regulations, with intentions to pursue legal action.
In response to the U.S. actions, Russia has condemned the tanker seizures as significant violations of international maritime law, urging the U.S. to release the detained crew. The situation has escalated since U.S. military forces reportedly detained Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, with Washington expressing a commitment to maintain its blockade on sanctioned oil tankers. Additionally, the U.S. has encouraged Venezuela to diminish its alliances with Russia and China.
U.S. President Donald Trump has defended the measures, framing the operations against Maduro—as well as continued sanctions and military pressure—as necessary steps to facilitate access to Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves for U.S. companies. On Friday, he planned to meet with oil and gas executives at the White House to discuss these strategies.
Earlier in the week, U.S. forces seized another vessel, the M Sophia, labeled as “stateless.” Panama stated that the ship’s flag had been revoked last year. This follows previous seizures in December of the Skipper tanker and the Centuries vessel.
Critics of U.S. sanctions include a panel of United Nations experts who contend that the U.S. lacks the legal authority to enforce unilateral sanctions through military blockades, citing such actions as unlawful aggression under international law. These experts also assert that the U.S. government’s efforts to monopolize Venezuela’s oil industry infringe upon the rights of its citizens to self-determination.
In a statement posted on social media, Trump indicated that the U.S. and Venezuela were making progress in cooperation, particularly regarding the modernization of the country’s oil and gas infrastructure. He asserted that due to this collaboration, he had decided to cancel what had been anticipated as a second wave of military actions, while U.S. naval forces will continue to be deployed in the region.
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