U.S. forces seized another oil tanker today. The vessel is linked to Venezuela. It is the MT Veronica. The seizure happened in the Caribbean Sea. This action occurred on Thursday, January 15, 2026. It marks the sixth ship taken. This is part of a U.S. quarantine. The quarantine targets Venezuelan oil shipments. Marines and sailors boarded the tanker. They came from the USS Gerald R. Ford. The tanker flew a Guyanese flag. It is connected to Venezuela.
Pre-Dawn Raid in the Caribbean
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the news. She stated the tanker was operating in defiance. It had previously passed through Venezuelan waters. This action violated the established quarantine. The U.S. aims to control Venezuela’s oil. U.S. Southern Command confirmed the operation. Forces launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford. They apprehended the MT Veronica. This happened without incident. The tanker is the latest vessel seized. It operated against the established quarantine. This proves Operation Southern Spear’s effectiveness. The vessel’s last known position was off Venezuela. This was 12 days prior. The operation took place in the Caribbean Sea.
Background of U.S. Oil Policy
This seizure fits a pattern. It supports President Trump’s sanctions. These target Venezuela’s oil industry. The U.S. has moved to control its oil. This effort intensified after Nicolás Maduro’s capture. He was removed from power earlier this month. The U.S. strategy includes controlling Venezuela’s oil. It aims to rebuild the nation’s industry. The administration stated its intent to control oil resources indefinitely. This is part of a post-Maduro plan. The U.S. wants to ensure oil trade is lawful. “The only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully,” Southern Command stated.
Operation Southern Spear Intensifies
The MT Veronica is the sixth tanker seized. This marks an escalation. It shows a broader U.S. effort. This effort targets illicit energy trafficking. Operation Southern Spear is the name of this campaign. The U.S. military built up forces in the Caribbean. This buildup supports the operation. The goal is to crush illicit activity. It aims to restore security in the Western Hemisphere.
The Role of the USS Gerald R. Ford
The USS Gerald R. Ford played a key role. Marines and sailors launched from the carrier. They boarded the tanker. This carrier strike group is significant. It entered the Caribbean Sea in November 2025. Its deployment signals a stronger U.S. push. The goal is to disrupt maritime activity. The Ford provides extensive airpower. It supports surveillance and interdiction. Its presence underscores U.S. resolve. It reinforces security in the Western Hemisphere.
Official Statements and Justifications
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted the operation. She noted the tanker’s history. It had passed through Venezuelan waters. It defied the established quarantine. Secretary Noem praised the Coast Guard’s role. She stated their operation was flawless and lawful. “There is no outrunning or escaping American justice — period,” she said. U.S. Southern Command reiterated its mission. It aims to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. frames these seizures as enforcement actions. They target vessels operating in defiance of sanctions.
Implications for Venezuela and Regional Stability
The U.S. seeks to control Venezuela’s oil. This policy has broad implications. It impacts global oil markets. It also affects U.S. relations with rivals. China and Russia are key rivals. Controlling Venezuela’s oil could limit OPEC’s market power. It might also lower U.S. refinery input costs. This could reduce gasoline prices for consumers. The strategy aims to disrupt Russia’s influence. It also weakens support for Cuba. The U.S. aims to rebuild Venezuela’s economy. This rebuilding effort relies on U.S. companies.
A Pattern of Seizures
The MT Veronica is the sixth tanker seized. This follows a series of interdictions. The U.S. seized the Olina in the Caribbean recently. That was the fifth vessel. The U.S. also seized the Marinera. It was a Russian-flagged tanker. These vessels are often part of a “shadow fleet.” They illegally transport oil from sanctioned nations. The operation against the Veronica highlights U.S. resolve. There is no safe haven for such vessels. The seizure also occurred ahead of a meeting. President Trump met with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.
The Future of Venezuelan Oil
The U.S. policy on Venezuela’s oil continues to evolve. The administration plans further sales of Venezuelan oil. This strategy aims to control proceeds. It relies on American companies to invest. They will help rebuild the nation’s infrastructure. The United States aims for indefinite control. This is part of a long-term plan. The actions demonstrate a firm U.S. stance. They reinforce its commitment to regional security. The Caribbean remains a focus of these operations. News today covers this ongoing effort.