The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) reported on January 9, 2026, that joint U.S. forces apprehended the motor tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea during a pre-dawn operation. The action is part of ongoing efforts to enforce sanctions and curb illicit oil shipments linked to Venezuela.
Details from the SOUTHCOM Statement
In a post on X, U.S. Southern Command stated: “Once again, our joint interagency forces sent a clear message this morning: ‘there is no safe haven for criminals.’ In a pre-dawn action, Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford and apprehended Motor/Tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea without incident.”
The statement further noted that such apprehensions are supported by the U.S. Navy’s Amphibious Ready Group, including the USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, and USS Fort Lauderdale. It emphasized that “The Department of War’s Operation Southern Spear is unwavering in its mission to defend our homeland by ending illicit activity and restoring security in the Western Hemisphere.”
Background on the Seizure
The Olina is the fifth vessel seized by U.S. forces in recent weeks as part of intensified measures to restrict Venezuelan oil exports. U.S. officials have described the tanker as part of a “shadow fleet” or “ghost fleet” operating with limited regulation, false flagging, and involvement in sanctioned activities.
The vessel, previously known as the Minerva M, was sanctioned by the United States in January 2025 for transporting Russian oil in violation of restrictions. It was falsely flying the flag of Timor-Leste, according to shipping databases such as Equasis and maritime risk analysts like Vanguard. Its Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracker was last active 52 days prior in the Venezuelan Exclusive Economic Zone, northeast of Curaçao.
According to industry sources, the Olina departed Venezuela last week fully loaded with oil as part of a larger flotilla shortly after the U.S. seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026. It was returning to Venezuela when intercepted, amid a U.S.-imposed blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil exports that remains in effect globally.
Related Developments
Other tankers from the same flotilla have been affected: The M Sophia was seized earlier this week, while several others (including Skylyn, Min Hang, and Merope) returned to Venezuelan waters after turning around to avoid interdiction. Pentagon officials have noted that at least seven “dark fleet” vessels altered course in the past 24 hours due to the risk of seizure.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, served as the launch platform for the boarding team, supported by helicopters and other naval assets.
The operation occurred without incident, with no reported resistance from the vessel’s crew. U.S. officials have stated that the blockade targets vessels involved in evading sanctions on Venezuelan and related oil shipments.
