US Military Seizes Seventh Venezuela-Linked Oil Tanker in Caribbean Sanctions Operation
The United States military has intensified its campaign against Venezuela's oil exports with the apprehension of another vessel, marking the seventh such seizure in recent weeks. The latest action saw US forces board and detain the Motor Vessel Sagitta, a Liberian-flagged oil tanker managed by a Hong Kong-based company, on Tuesday, 20 January 2026.
Video Footage Released of Military Operation
The US Southern Command has released official video footage showing troops landing on the vessel during what officials described as an apprehension that occurred "without incident." The operation was conducted as part of a broader strategy to enforce sanctions against Venezuela, with the tanker specifically targeted for operating in defiance of established restrictions.
Violation of Sanctions and Quarantine Measures
According to US authorities, the Motor Vessel Sagitta was violating a quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean that was originally established during the administration of former President Donald Trump. This framework prohibits certain ships from operating in the region as part of economic measures against Venezuela's government.
The seizure represents a continuation of a month-long campaign initiated by the current US president to disrupt Venezuela's oil shipments, which are a crucial source of revenue for the South American nation. The strategy appears focused on:
- Enforcing existing sanctions against Venezuelan oil exports
- Preventing sanctioned vessels from operating in Caribbean waters
- Disrupting the flow of oil revenue to Venezuela's government
- Demonstrating military capability in maritime enforcement operations
Broader Context of US-Venezuela Relations
This latest seizure occurs against a backdrop of ongoing tensions between the United States and Venezuela, with Washington maintaining various economic sanctions against Caracas. The consistent targeting of oil tankers suggests a determined effort to apply pressure through maritime enforcement, particularly in strategic Caribbean waters where much of Venezuela's oil transportation occurs.
The operation follows a pattern of similar apprehensions over the past month, indicating a coordinated and sustained approach rather than isolated incidents. As the seventh vessel seized in this campaign, the Motor Vessel Sagitta's detention underscores the seriousness with which the US is pursuing its sanctions enforcement strategy in the region.
