What's happened
On January 15, 2026, US forces seized the motor tanker Veronica in international waters after it defied a US naval quarantine on sanctioned Venezuelan vessels. The operation involved Marines and sailors from the USS Gerald R. Ford and a US Coast Guard tactical team. This marks the sixth tanker seized under President Trump's campaign to control Venezuela's oil sector following the recent ouster of Nicolás Maduro.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Control of Venezuelan Oil
The US seizure of the Veronica tanker is a continuation of a broader, aggressive campaign to dominate Venezuela's oil industry, a critical revenue source for the country. By intercepting vessels operating under false flags or evading sanctions, the US aims to choke off Maduro's successor's financial lifelines.
Military and Legal Dimensions
The involvement of the USS Gerald R. Ford and coordinated efforts with Homeland Security and Justice departments underscore the operation's scale and legal framing. While the US claims adherence to international law, the absence of court-issued warrants in some cases raises questions about maritime sovereignty and legal precedents.
Geopolitical Implications
This campaign signals a shift from economic sanctions to direct military enforcement, increasing tensions in the Caribbean and with countries like Russia, which has shown interest in Venezuelan oil. The US's assertive posture may provoke diplomatic backlash but also aims to deter illicit oil trafficking and narco-terrorism financing.
Forecast
The US will likely continue these interdictions, leveraging naval power to maintain pressure on Venezuela's regime. This will sustain instability in the region and complicate diplomatic resolutions. Energy markets may experience volatility due to disruptions in Venezuelan oil exports, affecting global supply chains.
What the papers say
Kristi Noem, US Homeland Security Secretary, emphasized the operation's flawless execution and legal basis, stating, "Our heroic Coast Guard men and women once again ensured a flawlessly executed operation, in accordance with international law" (The Independent). The US Southern Command highlighted the use of the USS Gerald R. Ford and described the seizure as part of a campaign against "dark fleet" tankers transporting embargoed oil (Business Insider UK).
The New York Times detailed the tactics used, including boarding vessels flying false flags and the involvement of a large military force to prevent resistance, noting the Olina tanker was seized without incident (Christiaan Triebert, NYT). Meanwhile, Venezuelan officials accuse the US of attempting to steal the country's oil reserves, a claim denied by the US but underscored by President Trump's statements about controlling Venezuelan oil exports (Al Jazeera).
Reuters reported on the cancellation of flags by Panama and the US's classification of some vessels as "stateless," justifying their seizure under international law. The involvement of allied nations like the UK in surveillance support was also noted (Business Insider UK).
These sources collectively illustrate a coordinated US military and legal effort to enforce sanctions and control Venezuelan oil, amid geopolitical tensions and contested sovereignty claims.
How we got here
Since late 2025, the US has intensified military operations in the Caribbean to enforce sanctions on Venezuela's oil exports. This includes a naval blockade and multiple seizures of tankers suspected of transporting embargoed Venezuelan oil. The campaign escalated after a surprise US raid captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, aiming to control Venezuela's vast oil reserves and cripple its economy.
Go deeper
- What is the US strategy behind seizing Venezuelan oil tankers?
- How has Venezuela responded to the US military operations?
- What are the international legal implications of these tanker seizures?
Common question
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Why Did the US Seize the Venezuelan Oil Tanker?
The US recently seized a Venezuelan-flagged oil tanker in international waters, marking a significant move in its ongoing sanctions against Venezuela. This action raises questions about the reasons behind the seizure, its impact on Venezuela and global oil markets, and how maritime sanctions are enforced. Below, we explore the key details and what they mean for international trade and diplomacy.
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Why Is the US Seizing Venezuelan Tankers Now?
Recent actions by the US have seen it seizing Venezuelan tankers in international waters. This move is part of a broader effort to enforce sanctions and control Venezuela's oil exports amid escalating geopolitical tensions. But what exactly is driving these seizures, and what does it mean for global oil markets and international law? Below, we explore the reasons behind this bold US strategy and what it could signal for future conflicts over resources.
More on these topics
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Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country on the northern coast of South America, consisting of a continental landmass and many small islands and islets in the Caribbean Sea.
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Kristi Lynn Noem is an American politician who is the 33rd governor of South Dakota, serving since 2019. A member of the Republican Party, she previously served as the U.S.
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The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States.
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The United States Coast Guard is the coastal defense, search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the country's eight uniformed services.
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Nicolás Maduro Moros is a Venezuelan politician serving as president of Venezuela since 2013. His presidency has been disputed by Juan Guaidó since January 2019, although Maduro is the real president.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. U.S. federal law names six armed forces: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard, each assigned their role and domain.
From their inception during
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.