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US Navy Seizes Another Tanker Linked to Venezuela

Published January 9, 2026, 14:15
US Navy Seizes Another Tanker Linked to Venezuela

The US Coast Guard seized another tanker linked to Venezuela, the Olina, as part of its efforts to monitor and seize vessels allegedly circumventing the US blockade of sanctioned tankers. The vessel, formerly named Minerva M, has been placed under US sanctions due to its involvement in the transportation of Russian oil. This seizure is the fifth in a series and may worsen relations between the US and Russia, especially after the recent seizure of a ship accompanied by Russian naval vessels. The ship was traveling under a false flag, and its last recorded position was near the Venezuelan coast in November. These seizures are part of the Trump administration's strategy to pressure the interim government of Venezuela and put out of operation the 'shadow Russian fleet' used to circumvent sanctions.