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U.S. forces seized a seventh oil tanker linked to Venezuela on Tuesday, continuing the Trump administration’s aggressive strategy to control Venezuelan oil exports and production.
The U.S. Southern Command announced that military forces apprehended the Motor Vessel Sagitta “without incident.” In a social media statement, the command said the vessel was operating in defiance of President Trump’s “established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean.”
Unlike previous seizures where the U.S. Coast Guard’s involvement was explicitly mentioned, military officials provided few details about this operation. When asked for additional information, both the Pentagon and Southern Command declined to elaborate.
The Sagitta flies under a Liberian flag and is officially registered to a Hong Kong-based company. Maritime tracking data shows the vessel last transmitted its location over two months ago as it exited the Baltic Sea in northern Europe. The tanker had previously been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department under an executive order related to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
According to U.S. Southern Command, the ship had transported Venezuelan oil. Their statement emphasized that the seizure “demonstrates our resolve to ensure that the only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully.” While the military posted aerial footage of the Sagitta at sea, the video notably lacked scenes of U.S. forces approaching or boarding the vessel, which had been featured in previous seizure documentation.
These maritime interventions are part of a broader strategy that began with the Trump administration’s ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a nighttime raid on January 3. Since then, U.S. officials have moved aggressively to take control of Venezuela’s oil production, refining capabilities, and global distribution networks.
The administration has been transparent about its intentions, framing these tanker seizures as a mechanism to generate revenue for rebuilding Venezuela’s deteriorated oil infrastructure and revitalizing its economy. Nearly two weeks ago, President Trump met with oil industry executives to discuss his ambitious $100 billion investment plan for Venezuela’s energy sector. During that meeting, he projected that the U.S. expected to sell between 30 to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump claimed significant progress on this front, stating, “We’ve got millions of barrels of oil left. We’re selling it on the open market. We’re bringing down oil prices incredibly.” He further asserted that the U.S. has already extracted 50 million barrels of oil from Venezuela.
The tanker seizure campaign began on December 10, when the first vessel was captured off Venezuela’s coast. Most subsequent interceptions have occurred in waters near Venezuela, with the notable exception of the Bella 1, which was seized in the North Atlantic on January 7. Maritime tracking data showed that the Bella 1 had been traversing the Atlantic toward the Caribbean when it abruptly changed course on December 15, turning northward toward Europe before its eventual capture.
These operations represent an unprecedented approach to foreign energy policy, with the U.S. directly intervening in the physical movement of oil assets rather than relying solely on economic sanctions. The strategy appears aimed at establishing comprehensive U.S. control over Venezuela’s primary economic resource, positioning America to manage the rebuilding of the South American nation’s energy sector while potentially benefiting from oil sales in the interim.
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16 Comments
While the US may have justification for sanctions, the seizure of a seventh tanker linked to Venezuela’s oil industry is an escalation that bears watching. This could further destabilize the region.
Seizing sanctioned tankers linked to Venezuela’s oil industry is a bold move by the US. However, the lack of transparency around the legal basis and operational details is concerning.
Agreed, the US should be more transparent about its actions and the legal rationale behind them. Unilateral seizures of commercial vessels could set a dangerous precedent.
The US appears determined to cripple Venezuela’s oil industry through these types of interdiction efforts. However, the long-term impacts on global energy markets and geopolitics are uncertain.
You raise a good point. The US actions could backfire and lead to supply disruptions and price volatility that harm American consumers and businesses.
The US strategy of controlling Venezuela’s oil exports through sanctions and seizures is concerning. It sets a precedent that could undermine international maritime law and commerce.
Absolutely, this aggressive approach could have far-reaching implications for global trade and shipping. The US should be cautious about overstepping its bounds.
This is an aggressive move by the US to control Venezuela’s oil exports. While sanctions may be justified, seizing tankers raises concerns about sovereignty and international law.
Agreed, the US seems determined to exert maximum pressure on Venezuela’s oil industry. This could further destabilize the country and increase geopolitical tensions.
This is the latest in a series of US efforts to control Venezuela’s oil exports. While the motivations may be geopolitical, the economic and diplomatic implications could be far-reaching.
Absolutely, the US actions could have unintended consequences for global energy markets and international relations. The administration should exercise caution and transparency.
Seizing sanctioned tankers linked to Venezuela is a bold move by the US military. However, the lack of details raises questions about the legal basis and potential unintended consequences.
The US appears intent on crippling Venezuela’s oil industry through aggressive interdiction efforts. While sanctions may be justified, these tactics raise serious questions about sovereignty and international law.
The US is taking an increasingly hardline approach to Venezuela’s oil industry, even as global energy markets remain tight. This could have significant implications for global supply and prices.
You make a good point. The US efforts to restrict Venezuela’s oil exports could backfire and drive up fuel prices for American consumers.
This is another example of the US flexing its military muscle to control the global flow of oil. While the motivations may be geopolitical, the economic and diplomatic consequences could be significant.