US forces apprehend sanctioned vessel in Caribbean maritime operation targeting illicit oil transport

Fox News - WorldCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Alexandra KochJanuary 20, 2026 at 10:40 PM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

US military forces apprehended a sanctioned vessel, Motor Vessel Sagitta, in the Caribbean as part of Operation #OpSouthernSpear, a joint effort with the US Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, and Justice Department. The apprehension occurred without incident, with video showing people on board the ship's deck. The operation aims to enforce President Trump's quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the region, ensuring only oil leaving Venezuela is coordinated properly and lawfully. This marks the seventh oil tanker seized since the US ramped up its campaign against illicit oil trade by Venezuela. The vessel was intercepted due to being under US sanctions or part of a "shadow fleet" of unregulated ships from major sanctioned producers, including Iran, Russia, and Venezuela.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Iran 50% Justice Department 50% Department of Homeland Security 50% United States Coast Guard 60% Donald Trump 60% OpSouthernSpear 60% United States Southern Command 70% Motor Vessel Sagitta 70% Department of War 70% Venezuela ×380% Caribbean ×280% United States ×690%

Keywords

sanctioned vessel 90% illicit oil transport 80% maritime operation 70% venezuela 70% u.s. southern command 60% oil tanker 60% western hemisphere 50% u.s. coast guard 40% shadow fleet 40%