US Forces Seize Third Venezuelan Tanker in Days
In a significant escalation of maritime operations, U.S. forces have seized a third tanker linked to Venezuela within just two days. The latest vessel, the Olina, was captured in the Caribbean after attempting to evade a U.S. naval blockade. This marks a continued effort by Washington to disrupt Venezuelan oil exports amid ongoing sanctions against the country.
Details of the Seizure
Maritime security firm Vanguard reports that the Olina, a tanker registered under a false flag from Timor-Leste, was apprehended after it broke away from U.S. naval surveillance. The vessel, built in 2005, had its Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracker last activated 52 days ago while operating in the Venezuelan exclusive economic zone, northeast of Curacao. It had previously departed from Venezuelan waters before being seized.
The seizure of the Olina is part of a broader campaign by U.S. authorities to target vessels associated with Venezuela, which is facing strict sanctions due to its oil exports. This incident follows two other tanker seizures on Thursday, including the Marinera and the M Sophia. The Marinera, previously known as the Bella 1, was pursued by U.S. forces since December 20 when it was detected heading toward Venezuela.
Notably, reports indicate that Russia deployed a submarine and other naval assets to escort the Marinera across the ocean. The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. actions, warning that such seizures could escalate military and political tensions in the region.
Growing Tensions and International Reactions
The recent seizures highlight the increasing tension surrounding Venezuelan oil shipments, which have become a focal point in the geopolitical landscape. The M Sophia, a 2004-built tanker, was also intercepted in the Caribbean and is now being escorted to the U.S. for further legal proceedings. Both seized vessels are considered part of a ‘shadow fleet’ linked to oil exports from Venezuela, which faces extensive international sanctions.
Data from Equasis reveals that the Olina is owned by Hong Kong-based Tantye Peur, further complicating the international response to these maritime interventions. As the U.S. continues its aggressive stance, the implications for regional stability and international shipping security remain significant, with calls for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing crisis likely to intensify.
