The United States announced today the seizure of a fifth oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, alleging it was attempting to circumvent sanctions imposed on Venezuela’s crude oil exports. This latest action underscores Washington’s continued efforts to enforce its embargo against Caracas.
According to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristjen Nielsen, the tanker, identified as the ‘Olena,’ was part of a “shadow fleet” suspected of transporting sanctioned oil. In a statement, Nielsen asserted that the vessel was apprehended “after sailing from Venezuela in an attempt to evade US forces.”
US Marines and Navy personnel, operating from the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier, intercepted the tanker in the Caribbean without incident, according to the US Southern Command. The Command stated that this operation sends a clear message: “There is no safe haven for criminals.”
A source within the shipping industry indicated that the ‘Olena,’ flying the flag of Timor-Leste, had departed Venezuela the previous week fully laden with oil, as part of a larger convoy. This occurred shortly after the reported apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month.
The source further revealed that the vessel was en route back to Venezuela with its cargo, navigating the existing US blockade on Venezuelan oil exports. DZWatch understands that the US government sanctioned the Olena in January of last year, when it was known as the ‘Minerva M,’ identifying it as part of a so-called ‘shadow fleet’ operating with minimal oversight and without known insurance.
This seizure follows a similar action earlier this week, involving another tanker believed to be part of a larger group of approximately twelve vessels that recently departed Venezuela. The source indicated that three other tankers belonging to the same fleet were intercepted earlier.
The US government maintains that these actions are necessary to uphold international law and prevent the illicit trade of Venezuelan oil, while critics argue that the sanctions are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis within Venezuela. The situation remains tense in the region.
