US seizes seventh Venezuelan-linked oil tanker in Caribbean

US forces have seized the tanker “Sagitta” in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said in a statement posted on X.

“This morning, U.S. military forces, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended Motor Vessel Sagitta without incident,” Caliber.Az quotes SOUTHCOM as saying in a social media post.

The command said the action reflects its determination to ensure that only lawfully coordinated oil leaves Venezuela.

According to shipping databases, the “Sagitta” sails under the flag of Liberia and has been placed on US sanctions lists as part of anti-Russia sanctions.

The United States has seized seven oil tankers linked to Venezuela since December 10, 2025, with six interdictions carried out in the Caribbean and one in the North Atlantic.

After significantly increasing its military presence in the Caribbean last year, US forces earlier this month entered Venezuela and detained President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The couple was transported to New York, where they face charges related to drug trafficking and alleged cooperation with criminal cartels. Both have rejected the accusations.

Venezuela holds some of the world’s largest oil reserves, which the Trump administration is seeking to open to investment by US energy companies.

By Jeyhun Aghazada