> At a Glance
> – U.S. forces seized the oil tanker Olina in a predawn Caribbean raid
> – The vessel carried 707,000 barrels worth $42 million
> – This is the fifth tanker seized under the Trump administration
> – Why it matters: The U.S. aims to control Venezuela’s oil exports and rebuild its industry
U.S. Marines and Navy sailors launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford stormed the Olina before dawn, marking the latest move to intercept Venezuela’s “ghost fleet.”
The Seizure
Helicopter footage released by U.S. Southern Command shows troops landing on deck and tossing what appears to be an explosive device. The Coast Guard now controls the vessel.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated:
> “Another ‘ghost fleet’ tanker ship suspected of carrying embargoed oil departed Venezuela attempting to evade U.S. forces.”
U.S. Southern Command declared:
> “There is no safe haven for criminals.”
The Ship’s Trail
- Prior name: Minerva M (sanctioned for moving Russian oil)
- Former flag: Panama
- Current flag: Timor-Leste (listed as false)
- Last transmission: November, north of Venezuela
- Owner: Hong Kong company (since July)
TankerTrackers.com satellite data shows at least 16 tankers left Venezuela despite the U.S. quarantine.
Rebuilding Plans
| Goal | Target |
|---|---|
| Barrels to sell | 30-50 million |
| U.S. investment | $100 billion |
| Proceeds recipients | U.S. and Venezuelan people |
President Trump said:
> “U.S. oil companies are prepared to spend over $100 billion to get the industry going.”
Venezuela’s government stated:
> “The ship set sail without payment or authorization from Venezuelan authorities” and confirmed joint efforts to return it.
Vice President JD Vance told Fox News:
> “We can control Venezuela’s purse strings by dictating where its oil can be sold.”
Key Takeaways
- The Olina is the fifth seized tanker in the administration’s campaign
- The vessel carries 707,000 barrels valued at $42 million
- The U.S. expects to sell 30-50 million barrels of sanctioned oil
- Trump met oil executives Friday to discuss $100 billion in Venezuelan investment
- Both nations claim coordination, but details remain sparse
The raid keeps Caribbean waters under tight U.S. watch while plans for a revamped Venezuelan oil sector take shape.
