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US Forces Seize Fifth Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuela Amid Ongoing Operations

KVIA•Friday, January 9, 2026 at 5:26 PM•ABC News

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U.S. forces have boarded and seized another oil tanker, the Motor/Tanker Olina, linked to Venezuela, marking the fifth vessel captured and the third in just three days. This operation, executed by the U.S. Coast Guard with military support, took place in international waters of the Caribbean Sea on January 9, 2026. The Department of Homeland Security emphasized that these actions are part of a broader effort to disrupt illicit funding streams related to narco-terrorism and enforce sanctions against Venezuela. The situation escalated following the recent capture of deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, leading to significant political changes in Venezuela, including the swearing-in of Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as interim leader.

Key Details: • Fifth tanker seized in the last three days. • Operation occurred on January 9, 2026, in the Caribbean Sea. • U.S. Coast Guard leads the operation, supported by military forces. • Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as interim leader.

military coast-guard sanctions venezuela oil

People & Organizations

Department of Homeland SecurityDonald TrumpKristi NoemU.S. Coast GuardVenezuelaNicolás MaduroCaribbean SeaNew York CityJoint Task Force Southern SpearDelcy Rodriguez

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