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US Navy Seizes Sanctioned Oil Tanker in Caribbean Amid Ongoing Operations

KVIA•Friday, January 9, 2026 at 2:51 PM•CNN Newsource

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AI Summary

The U.S. has successfully seized another oil tanker, the Motor/Tanker Olina, in the Caribbean Sea, as part of its ongoing efforts to enforce sanctions against vessels linked to Venezuela. This operation, coordinated by U.S. Southern Command and the Department of Homeland Security, involved troops launching from the USS Gerald R. Ford. The Olina was previously sanctioned under Ukraine/Russia-related sanctions, although its registration details remain unclear. This incident marks the fifth tanker seizure since December 2022, when former President Trump initiated a blockade against sanctioned oil transport. Experts warn that these actions may provoke retaliatory measures from nations like Russia and Iran, raising risks for maritime industries.

Key Details: • Operation conducted by US Southern Command and Department of Homeland Security. • The seizure occurred in the Caribbean Sea, involving the USS Gerald R. Ford. • The Olina was sanctioned under Ukraine/Russia-related sanctions. • This is the fifth tanker seized since December 2022 under the blockade policy.

military sanctions caribbean geopolitics oil-tanker

People & Organizations

Department of Homeland SecurityDonald TrumpVenezuelaCaribbean SeaUS Coast GuardUS Southern CommandKaroline LeavittScott DickersonTimor-Leste

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