The Trump administration has delivered a crushing blow to Venezuela’s shadow oil network with the seizure of the tanker Olina, the fifth vessel linked to the “ghost fleet” captured in recent weeks. Launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford, the pre-dawn operation in the Caribbean intensifies America’s naval blockade and demonstrates a renewed commitment to enforcing sanctions against criminal networks that fund hostile regimes and engage in narco-terrorism.
Story Highlights
- US Coast Guard and Marines seized tanker Olina from Venezuela’s “ghost fleet” in international waters.
- Fifth Venezuela-linked vessel captured since December as Trump’s naval blockade intensifies.
- Operation launched from USS Gerald R. Ford showcases American naval superiority.
- DHS Secretary Noem warns global criminals “there is no safe haven” from US enforcement.
Trump Administration Strikes Venezuela’s Criminal Networks
US Southern Command and Coast Guard forces executed a pre-dawn boarding of the motor tanker Olina in international waters east of the Caribbean Sea. The vessel, previously sanctioned as Minerva M, represents part of Venezuela’s extensive “ghost fleet” used to evade US sanctions on embargoed oil exports. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the seizure, emphasizing that criminal networks funding narco-terrorism will face relentless American pursuit regardless of their deceptive tactics.
This operation marks the fifth Venezuela-linked tanker seized since early December, demonstrating the Trump administration’s commitment to dismantling the shadow networks that fund hostile regimes. Marines and sailors launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford captured Olina without incident, showcasing the precision and professionalism of American forces. The vessel had departed Venezuela and attempted to evade US forces using fraudulent flag changes and identity manipulation common among shadow fleet operators.
🚨 BREAKING: US Marines and Sailors just SEIZED the FIFTH sanctioned oil tanker, performing the capture this morning in the Caribbean
President Trump and Pete Hegseth are not screwing around.
The Western Hemisphere is AMERICA'S. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/OfSRYVBwO4
— Melissa Redpill – Freedom Force (@MelissaRedpill) January 9, 2026
Naval Blockade Demonstrates American Sea Power
The seizure represents part of a broader naval blockade targeting sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. Trump deployed twelve US Navy warships to the Caribbean, including the advanced USS Gerald R. Ford, creating an unprecedented enforcement presence. This militarized approach to sanctions enforcement sends a clear message to adversaries that America will protect its interests and uphold international law through strength.
The ghost fleet operates through deceptive practices including flag-hopping, vessel renaming, AIS tracking manipulation, and falsified documentation. Olina itself changed from Panamanian flag and the name Minerva M to Timor-Leste flag before its capture. These tactics undermine maritime safety, environmental protection, and the integrity of international sanctions designed to pressure rogue regimes threatening regional stability.
Russia Objects as America Enforces Constitutional Authority
Russia has condemned the seizures as violations of international maritime law, particularly protesting the earlier capture of Russian-flagged vessel Bella I. Moscow’s objections reflect their frustration with America’s renewed willingness to enforce sanctions against criminal networks that fund anti-American activities. The Kremlin’s complaints ring hollow given their support for regimes that threaten democratic values and regional peace through narco-terrorism and sanctions evasion.
Secretary Noem’s declaration that “the ghost fleets will not outrun justice” reflects the administration’s determination to protect American interests. The operation’s success demonstrates how proper leadership and military strength can effectively counter threats to our national security. Unlike the previous administration’s weakness, Trump’s approach combines decisive action with clear messaging that America will not tolerate criminal networks operating with impunity in our hemisphere.
Watch the report: US Coast Guard Seizes ‘Ghost Fleet’ Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuela in High-Sea Raid
Sources:
- US seizes Venezuela-linked oil tanker in fresh Caribbean raid
- Coast Guard seizes another Venezuelan-linked oil tanker in Caribbean
- Owning the sea: Moment US forces intercepted sanctioned oil tanker in Caribbean Sea
- US forces launched from Navy most advanced carrier to seize tanker
