US Forces board fifth tanker in campaign to track down Venezuelan oil

The U.S. Coast Guard boarded the oil tanker Olina, part of efforts to enforce a blockade on sanctioned vessels linked to Venezuela. This tanker, formerly the Minerva M, is flagged by East Timor and previously transmitted its position near Venezuela.

The U.S. aims to dismantle a "dark fleet" of over 1,000 vessels engaged in transporting illicit oil, exerting pressure on the Venezuelan government. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized, “the strongest leverage possible” comes from the blockade.

The U.S. Navy has deployed warships near South America to assist in these operations, with plans for more seizures. Resources from the Justice Department have increased, signaling that actions against these tankers could escalate further.