United States Southern Command forces have conducted a sixth maritime interception operation in the Caribbean Sea as part of Washington’s escalating campaign to control Venezuelan oil exports. The vessel Veronica was boarded during a pre-dawn operation that military officials described as executed “without incident.”
The seizure occurred as the tanker was attempting to circumvent President Donald Trump’s sanctioned vessel quarantine program. “The only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully,” stated the Southern Command in an official release.
This latest maritime enforcement action follows recent U.S. military strikes against Venezuela and the detention of President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. The Trump administration has openly declared intentions to access the nation’s substantial petroleum reserves, estimated among the largest globally.
In a significant development, a U.S. official confirmed Wednesday the completion of the first sale of Venezuelan oil under American control, valued at approximately $500 million (£373 million). The transaction signals the operationalization of Washington’s strategy to monetize seized Venezuelan resources.
Thursday’s interception indicates the administration’s continued crackdown on the so-called “dark fleet” – an network of over 1,000 vessels specializing in transporting sanctioned petroleum products. The United States is currently collaborating with Venezuela’s interim government to establish control over the country’s oil sales infrastructure and revenue streams.