Why did the U.S. seize the Olina tanker?

The U.S. seized the Olina tanker as part of its ongoing efforts to enforce sanctions and curb Venezuelan oil exports.

What is the significance of the Olina tanker seizure?

The seizure of the Olina is the fifth such action in recent weeks, indicating a strong U.S. commitment to blocking Venezuelan oil and targeting vessels involved in its illicit trade.

Which countries are involved in the Olina tanker incident?

The United States seized the Olina tanker, which was carrying Venezuelan oil and falsely flying the flag of Timor Leste.

Home / Crime and Justice / US Seizes Olina Tanker in Oil Export Crackdown

US Seizes Olina Tanker in Oil Export Crackdown

9 Jan

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Summary

US seized the Olina tanker in Caribbean, fifth vessel targeted.
Olina falsely flew Timor Leste flag and was carrying Venezuelan oil.
Joint forces from USS Gerald R. Ford apprehended the tanker without incident.

US Seizes Olina Tanker in Oil Export Crackdown

In a significant move to curb Venezuelan oil exports, the United States has seized the Olina tanker in the Caribbean Sea. This marks the fifth vessel targeted in recent weeks, signaling a ramped-up enforcement of U.S. sanctions.

The Olina, previously identified as the Minerva M and flagged under Timor Leste, was carrying Venezuelan oil and was apprehended without incident by U.S. Marines and sailors. The vessel's AIS tracker had been inactive for 52 days, with its last known location being within Venezuela's exclusive economic zone.

This seizure follows similar actions against other tankers linked to Venezuela's oil trade. The U.S. maintains that its blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil remains in full effect worldwide, indicating continued efforts to isolate the nation's energy sector.