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U.S. Military Seizes Sixth Tanker Linked to Venezuela in Caribbean

2026-01-15

The BareStory

On Thursday morning, U.S. military forces seized the Motor Tanker Veronica in the Caribbean Sea. This operation marks the sixth time in recent weeks that American troops have apprehended a vessel linked to Venezuela. U.S. Southern Command confirmed that the pre-dawn boarding was conducted without incident by personnel from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, who launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the seizure, stating that the vessel was a "sanctioned ghost fleet tanker" operating in defiance of a quarantine order established by President Trump. U.S. Southern Command added that the operation supports ongoing efforts to halt illicit maritime activity involving sanctioned producers.

The incident takes place amid escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. It follows the recent apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. Maduro, who has entered a not guilty plea, faces federal charges related to narcoterrorism conspiracy. One report noted the seizure occurred on the same day President Trump was scheduled to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.

Left Perspective

  • Enforcement of sanctions and quarantine orders
  • Combatting illicit maritime activity
  • Successful military execution

Right Perspective

  • Legal defense against federal charges
  • Escalation of bilateral tensions
  • Simultaneous engagement with opposition figures

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader: You may observe continued U.S. military operations in the Caribbean as forces utilize assets like the USS Gerald R. Ford to enforce quarantine orders against sanctioned vessels.

The federal judicial system will manage high-profile criminal proceedings involving Nicolás Maduro, who has entered a not guilty plea to charges of narcoterrorism conspiracy.

U.S. foreign policy continues to target Venezuelan leadership through the dual approach of meeting with opposition figures and physically seizing assets linked to sanctioned producers.

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