US Forces Intercept Venezuelan Oil Tanker in Caribbean Operations
The United States has intercepted and seized an oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea after it departed from Venezuela, according to reports from American media outlets on Friday.
The vessel, identified as Olena, was taken over by US forces operating from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, US officials said. The operation was described as smooth, with no resistance encountered during the boarding and seizure.
Data from vessel-tracking service MarineTraffic showed that the Olena was sailing under the flag of East Timor at the time of the interception.
The move follows the detention of another oil tanker, Marinera, described as having links to Russia, which was held in the North Atlantic earlier this week. Both actions are part of broader US measures targeting shipping connected to Venezuela’s oil trade.
US forces have intensified operations in recent weeks, including the interception of three oil tankers off Venezuela’s coast last month. These developments come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas, as the US steps up enforcement actions against vessels suspected of breaching sanctions.
US officials have not released further details on the tanker’s cargo or its final destination, while investigations into the shipment are said to be ongoing.
