US seizes sixth tanker as Venezuela’s interim leader vows oil sector reform

In January 2026, US forces seized the Veronica, a Venezuela-linked oil tanker, in the Caribbean. This marks the sixth such seizure as the Trump administration aims to control Venezuelan oil resources. According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the tanker violated the US-imposed quarantine of sanctioned vessels. The US Coast Guard, along with Marines and sailors from the USS Gerald R Ford, participated in the operation. This seizure occurred after the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and as interim president Delcy Rodriguez announced reforms to Venezuela's oil sector laws, including the Hydrocarbons Law and the anti-blockade law, to counteract US sanctions.

US forces seized the Veronica, a Guyana-flagged oil tanker, in the Caribbean Sea, marking the sixth such seizure linked to Venezuelan oil exports. The operation, conducted without incident, enforces President Trump's "quarantine of sanctioned vessels." US Southern Command stated that only lawfully coordinated oil will leave Venezuela. The US military actions follow strikes on Venezuela and the seizure of its president, Nicolás Maduro, with plans to tap into the country's oil reserves. This seizure is part of a broader crackdown on vessels transporting sanctioned oil, as the US works with Venezuela's interim government to control oil sales. The seizures have significantly impacted Venezuela's oil exports, with loadings falling to about half of normal levels in January.

On January 15, 2026, the United States seized an oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea. This action occurred ahead of a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House. The meeting marks the first in-person interaction between Trump and Machado since Trump allegedly directed the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The article provides live updates on these unfolding events. The reason for the tanker seizure was not specified in the provided text.

The US military seized the oil tanker Veronica, sailing under a Guyanese flag, in a pre-dawn operation in the Caribbean Sea. The seizure, conducted by US Marines and sailors launched from the USS Gerald R Ford, was in support of Trump administration sanctions against Venezuela's oil industry. US Southern Command announced the action, stating the Veronica was operating in defiance of the established quarantine of sanctioned vessels. The location of the seizure was not specified, but the ship's last recorded position was off the coast of Venezuela. This is the sixth known boarding and seizure of a foreign-flagged oil tanker since Nicolás Maduro's removal from power. The Trump administration has been working to control the distribution of Venezuela's oil globally.