US forces seize seventh sanctioned oil tanker linked to Venezuela

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Associated PressJanuary 21, 2026 at 05:34 AM

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US forces seized the Motor Vessel Sagitta, a Liberian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela, in the Caribbean on Tuesday. This marks the seventh such seizure as part of the US government's efforts to control Venezuelan oil exports. According to US Southern Command, the Sagitta was operating in defiance of US sanctions and President Trump's quarantine of sanctioned vessels. The tanker, sanctioned in 2022 under an executive order related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, is reportedly owned and managed by a Hong Kong-based company. US Southern Command indicated the ship had taken oil from Venezuela and stated the seizure demonstrates their resolve to ensure Venezuelan oil exports are lawful and coordinated.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Baltic Sea 30% Ukraine 30% Liberia 40% Russia 40% Hong Kong 40% US Treasury Department 50% Motor Vessel Sagitta ×260% US Southern Command ×370% Donald Trump 70% Venezuela ×480% United States ×790%

Keywords

oil tanker seizure 90% venezuela 80% us sanctions 80% oil 70% motor vessel sagitta 60% us southern command 60% trump administration 50% liberian-flagged tanker 40% russia ukraine invasion 40%