US intercepts fifth sanctioned tanker in Caribbean amid Venezuela operation

U.S. forces boarded the oil tanker Olina in the Caribbean, which Southern Command said is the fifth tanker seized in an effort targeting sanctioned shipments linked to Venezuela.

U.S. forces boarded the oil tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea in a pre-dawn operation, the military said. Marines and Navy personnel carried out the action as part of a monthslong buildup of forces in the region, Southern Command said. Southern Command and Homeland Security posted unclassified footage showing a helicopter landing on the vessel and personnel searching the deck. Officials described the Olina as the fifth tanker seized in an effort aimed at tankers traveling to and from Venezuela. Key details: - U.S. Marines and Navy boarded the tanker Olina in a pre-dawn operation in the Caribbean, Southern Command said. - Southern Command and Homeland Security posted unclassified video showing a helicopter landing on the vessel and personnel searching the ship's deck. - The Olina is reported as the fifth tanker seized by U.S. forces in operations targeting shipments linked to Venezuela. - Southern Command said Navy and Marine forces were supporting the Department of Homeland Security, which led the operation. - A Southern Command spokesperson declined to confirm whether the ship was affiliated with Venezuela or under sanction and referred questions to the Justice Department and Homeland Security. - The U.S. Coast Guard declined to comment and directed requests for comment to the White House. Summary: U.S. officials framed the boarding as part of a sustained enforcement effort targeting sanctioned tankers connected to Venezuela, and Southern Command characterized the action as denying a safe haven to criminals. Legal and procedural next steps were deferred to the Justice Department and Homeland Security and are undetermined at this time.