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U.S. Coast Guard Seizes Multiple Oil Tankers Linked to Venezuela

KVIA•Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 4:38 PM•CNN Newsource

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Since early December, the U.S. Coast Guard and military forces have seized five oil tankers accused of transporting Venezuelan oil under U.S. sanctions. The fifth vessel, named Olina, is set to be returned to Venezuela to offload its cargo as part of an energy deal being negotiated. This operation is part of a broader strategy initiated by former President Trump to impose a blockade on sanctioned vessels. The process involves elite Coast Guard teams and various military resources, with four of the seized tankers currently under U.S. control. The Coast Guard is seeking additional support to repair these vessels before bringing them to U.S. ports, where their cargo may be auctioned off, and the ships themselves could be sold, contributing to the U.S. Treasury.

Key Details: • Five oil tankers seized since December, with one being returned to Venezuela. • The operation involves elite Coast Guard teams and military resources. • Seized oil may be auctioned, and tankers could be sold for Treasury revenue. • Coast Guard received $25 billion in additional funding for operations.

trump coast-guard sanctions venezuela oil-tankers

People & Organizations

Donald TrumpU.S. Coast GuardDepartment of JusticeVenezuelaHoustonGulf CoastAaron RothDepartment of the Treasury

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