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US Seizes Fifth Oil Tanker in Caribbean Crackdown on Illicit Activities

The US Southern Command announced the seizure of the oil tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea, marking the fifth such interception. The operation was conducted by Joint Task Force-Southern Spear in coordination with Homeland Security, launching from the USS Gerald R. Ford. The command stated the action demonstrates there is "no safe haven for criminals" in the region. This follows the seizure of the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera just two days prior for violating US sanctions.

Key Points: US Forces Seize Oil Tanker Olina in Caribbean Operation

  • Fifth tanker seized by US forces
  • Joint interagency pre-dawn operation
  • Part of crackdown on illicit Western Hemisphere activity
  • Backed by US Navy Amphibious Ready Group
  • Follows recent seizure of Russian-flagged tanker
2 min read

US forces seize another oil tanker in Caribbean, say "no safe haven for criminals"

US Southern Command seizes the Olina, the fifth tanker intercepted in a crackdown on criminal maritime activity in the Caribbean region.

"there is no safe haven for criminals - US Southern Command"

Washington DC, January 9

The US Southern Command on Friday announced the seizure of another oil tanker, named Olina, in the Caribbean Sea in a pre-dawn operation, making it the fifth seizure of a tanker by US forces.

According to a post by the US Command, the seizure underscored Washington's continued crackdown on illicit activities in the Western Hemisphere.

"Once again, our joint interagency forces sent a clear message this morning: 'there is no safe haven for criminals'," the command said in a post on X.

The operation was conducted by US Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force-Southern Spear, in coordination with the US Department of Homeland Security, and launched from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford.

The Southern Command added that such operations are supported by the full power of the US Navy's Amphibious Ready Group, including the USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, and USS Fort Lauderdale. The vessel's apprehension was conducted without incident, it further noted.

"Apprehensions like this are backed by the full power of the U.S. Navy's Amphibious Ready Group, including the ready and lethal platforms of the USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, and USS Fort Lauderdale," the command said.

"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," it added.

This marks another effort by the US military to target vessels suspected of involvement in criminal and illicit operations in the Caribbean region.

Just two days back, US forces seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker, Marinera - formerly the Bella 1 - following weeks of pursuit by the US Coast Guard warship, after it allegedly evaded a US blockade of sanctioned oil tankers near Venezuela for over a fortnight.

According to a post on X by the US European Command, the tanker violated US sanctions and was tracked by the US Coast Guard cutter Munro before the operation. The command noted that the vessel was seized under a warrant issued by a US federal court.

Originally named Bella 1, the tanker was sanctioned in 2024 and renamed Marinera.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting to see the US flexing its naval muscle so close to Venezuela again. The geopolitics of oil never stops. Makes you wonder about the real story behind these "sanctions" and who benefits.
R
Rohit P
Using an aircraft carrier for a tanker seizure? Seems like overkill, no? The US military budget is astronomical. That money could solve so many problems back home or in developing nations. A bit of a show of force, I think.
S
Sarah B
The coordination between Marines, Navy, and Homeland Security is impressive. India's multi-agency coordination for maritime security could learn from such operational efficiency. Jai Hind!
V
Vikram M
Fifth seizure! This is a sustained campaign. While the intent to stop crime is good, one hopes the legal process is fair and transparent. Renaming ships to evade sanctions is an old trick.
K
Karthik V
The article mentions a Russian-flagged tanker was seized just two days back. The US-Russia tensions are playing out on the high seas now. India has to navigate these global currents very carefully for its own energy security.

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