Trump Seizes 7th Tanker
U.S. military and law-enforcement forces seized another oil tanker in the Caribbean on Tuesday, bringing the total number of vessels intercepted to seven as the Trump administration continues its crackdown on sanctioned oil shipments tied to Venezuela.
According to U.S. Southern Command, the operation involved coordinated teams from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps. The Motor Vessel Sagitta was boarded and secured without resistance. Military officials later released short video footage showing the orderly and professional nature of the operation.
Southern Command said the latest seizure reinforces President Donald Trump’s decision to enforce a strict oil quarantine in the Caribbean, aimed at stopping unauthorized shipments that violate U.S. sanctions.
Officials stressed that only oil transported through lawful, approved channels will be permitted to leave Venezuela, signaling continued enforcement rather than symbolic action.
“These operations demonstrate our resolve and are supported by the full strength of our joint military forces operating in the region,” Southern Command stated.
The seizure follows last week’s interception of the tanker Veronica, the sixth vessel linked to Venezuela’s so-called “ghost fleet,” a network of ships allegedly used to evade sanctions and oversight.
Earlier this month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the United States does not seek to govern Venezuela. However, he emphasized that the Trump administration will continue enforcing the existing oil quarantine to protect U.S. interests and uphold international sanctions.
Administration officials say the ongoing operations are designed to curb illegal oil trafficking, promote regional stability, and prevent sanctioned regimes from accessing unauthorized revenue streams.
The continued enforcement highlights President Trump’s broader strategy of combining economic pressure with firm military readiness to uphold U.S. law and national security interests abroad.
