US seizes a seventh Venezuela-linked oil tanker

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Brian OsgoodJanuary 21, 2026 at 02:10 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

In January 2026, the United States military seized its seventh Venezuela-linked oil tanker, the Motor Vessel Sagitta, in the Caribbean. US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced the seizure, stating it was part of the US blockade on oil vessels entering and leaving Venezuela. The US began seizing sanctioned tankers in December as part of increasing pressure on Venezuela. Tensions between the two countries escalated after President Trump authorized a military operation to abduct Venezuelan President Maduro. The US government considers Venezuelan oil "stolen" from US owners due to the nationalization of Venezuela's oil industry in 1971 and subsequent expropriation of foreign oil company assets.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Cuba 30% Stephen Miller 40% Motor Vessel Sagitta 50% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) 60% US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) ×270% Donald Trump ×380% United States ×990% Venezuela ×890%

Keywords

oil tanker seizure 90% venezuelan oil 80% us control 70% us sanctions 70% military operation 60% southcom 50% oil resources 50% trump administration 40%