US Military Operation Targets Another Blockade-Breaking Tanker

On Friday, U.S. military forces announced the successful apprehension of an oil tanker in the early hours of the morning within the waters of the Caribbean Sea. This marks the fifth such vessel, linked to Venezuela, to be intercepted for allegedly breaching sanctions imposed by the United States.

The U.S. Southern Command confirmed in a statement that the capture of the tanker, named Olina, resulted from coordinated efforts between marines and sailors launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford. This operation was executed seamlessly and without any complications.

This is the first explicit acknowledgment of the USS Gerald R. Ford's engagement in this series of five operations that initially commenced in December. The government did previously imply that the carrier participated in at least one mission.

The Role of USS Gerald R. Ford

The USS Gerald R. Ford stands as the newest and most sophisticated aircraft carrier within the Navy. It hosts a formidable array of fighter jets, early-warning aircraft, and helicopters, deploying to the Caribbean last autumn amidst a substantial increase in military presence across the area.

Previously identified as Minerva M and once sailing under Panama's flag, Olina came under U.S. sanctions last year as documented by the Treasury Department. Recent data from MarineTraffic, a ship tracker, indicated Olina's presence off Venezuela's coast under the flag of Timor-Leste.

Tanker Olina as a 'Ghost Fleet'

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described Olina as part of a 'ghost fleet,' supposedly involved in illicit oil transportation departing from Venezuela while trying to avoid U.S. authorities.

In a strategic move to apply pressure on then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. announced a naval blockade last month, targeting sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuelan waters.

Recent Seizures and Strategic Operations

The action on Friday was the third tanker seizure throughout the week. Two vessels were previously intercepted on Wednesday—one following a dramatic chase in the North Atlantic, and the second near Caribbean waters. In addition, last month saw the capture of two ships named Skipper and Centuries.

Secretary Noem emphasized on Friday that these 'ghost fleets' could not evade justice and clarified the U.S. resolve to continue capturing vessels under such sanctions.

Impact of U.S. Policies on Venezuela

The Trump administration's aggressive stance against Maduro and his government included not only the naval blockade but extended to deploying warships, aircraft, and numerous troops throughout the Caribbean.

Since September, consistent airstrikes have targeted suspected narcotics vessels as President Trump persistently signaled potential actions against Venezuela.

Heightened tensions reached a peak last weekend with an unexpected operation to capture Maduro in a dramatic raid.

Broader Regional Tensions

Following these events, President Trump also hinted at possible interventions involving other neighboring nations, such as Mexico, Cuba, and Colombia.

Confirmations from a U.S. official to Business Insider on Thursday reveal that all 12 Navy warships deployed before the operation targeting Maduro remain stationed in the Caribbean, signaling no immediate plans to reduce military personnel in the area.