US forces boarded and seized control of an oil tanker in the Caribbean, which it alleges was violating sanctions on Venezuelan oil. President Donald Trump declared a blockade of Venezuelan oil that US forces maintained after the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
“This morning, US military forces, in support of the DHS, apprehended Motor Vessel Sagitta without incident,” US Southern Command wrote on X Tuesday. “The apprehension of another tanker operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean demonstrates our resolve to ensure that the only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully.”
Through #OpSouthernSpear, the @DeptofWar is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere in partnership with @USCG, @DHSgov and @TheJusticeDept.
This morning, U.S. military forces, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended… pic.twitter.com/UPADtiw681
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) January 20, 2026
The US began seizing tankers, alleged to be carrying Venezuelan oil that is sanctioned by Washington, in December. The Motor Vessel Sagitta is the seventh vessel seized by the US in six weeks.
Earlier this month, the US seized a Russian-flagged tanker in the Northern Atlantic. While Russia deployed some naval vessels to escort the ship. However, US forces boarded the ship without a confrontation with the Russian Navy.
Trump has declared a complete and total blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers in the Caribbean. While Trump imposed the blockade in an effort to force Maduro from power, the US has continued to enforce the embargo after the Venezuelan President was kidnapped and brought to the US.
The White House intends to sell the oil and use the funds to execute its regime change in Venezuela.
