At a Glance
- U.S. forces captured the Motor Tanker Veronica in the Caribbean
- The tanker is the sixth seized under Trump-era sanctions
- Marines and Coast Guard teams carried out the operation
- Why it matters: The seizure continues U.S. efforts to control Venezuela’s oil exports and rebuild the nation’s energy sector
U.S. forces have captured another oil tanker linked to Venezuela, marking the sixth such seizure as part of an ongoing effort to control the South American nation’s oil exports.
The Motor Tanker Veronica was seized in the Caribbean Sea after operating in defiance of U.S. sanctions, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The Capture
Marines launched from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to intercept the vessel. A U.S. Coast Guard tactical team conducted the boarding and seizure, following the same pattern used in previous operations.
Noem shared a black-and-white video showing helicopters hovering over the merchant vessel while armed troops descended onto the deck by rope.
“Motor Tanker Veronica had previously passed through Venezuelan waters, and was operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean,” Noem wrote on social media.
Escalating Seizures
The Veronica seizure represents the fourth tanker capture since the U.S. ousted Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro in a surprise nighttime raid approximately two weeks ago.
U.S. forces have now seized six tankers total as part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to control Venezuela’s oil production, refining, and global distribution.
The operation involved coordination between multiple government agencies. Noem emphasized “close coordination with our colleagues” in the military as well as the State and Justice departments.
Legal Justification
Officials have consistently framed these seizures as law enforcement actions. Noem praised the Coast Guard personnel who “once again ensured a flawlessly executed operation, in accordance with international law.”
“There is no outrunning or escaping American justice,” Noem declared in her social media post.
However, some administration officials have acknowledged additional motivations beyond law enforcement. The seized oil and vessels serve as potential revenue sources as the U.S. works to rebuild Venezuela’s struggling oil industry.
Economic Strategy
The Trump administration has outlined ambitious plans for Venezuela’s oil sector. Last week, Trump met with oil company executives to discuss investing $100 billion in Venezuela to repair and upgrade its oil production and distribution infrastructure.
Officials have indicated they expect to sell between 30 million to 50 million barrels of sanctioned Venezuelan oil.
This economic strategy accompanies the military and law enforcement actions, suggesting a multi-pronged approach to reshape Venezuela’s oil industry and broader economy.
Previous Operations
The Veronica seizure follows a pattern established in earlier operations. Each capture has involved similar tactics, with Marines providing initial interception capabilities and Coast Guard teams conducting the actual boarding and seizure.
U.S. Southern Command has documented these operations through social media posts, providing visual evidence of the military actions in the Caribbean.
The frequency of these seizures has increased following Maduro’s capture, with four tankers taken in approximately two weeks.
International Implications
These actions occur in international waters of the Caribbean, raising questions about maritime law and international relations. The U.S. has maintained these operations comply with international law, though Venezuela has not publicly responded to the latest seizure.
The ongoing tanker captures represent a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to control Venezuela’s oil exports, moving beyond traditional sanctions to direct military interdiction.
Key Takeaways
- The Motor Tanker Veronica becomes the sixth Venezuela-linked tanker seized by U.S. forces
- Military operations involve Marines from the USS Gerald R. Ford and Coast Guard tactical teams
- The Trump administration frames these actions as law enforcement while pursuing economic rebuilding goals
- Plans include $100 billion in investment and selling 30-50 million barrels of seized oil
- Four tankers have been captured since Maduro’s removal two weeks ago
