U.S. Coast Guard Captures Sixth Oil Tanker Linked To Venezuela

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The United States successfully captured another sanctioned oil tanker, Motor Tanker Veronica, early this morning (Thursday 15th January, 2026) in the Caribbean, which had previously passed through Venezuelan waters. Veronica — the sixth captured oil tanker by the U.S. — was said to be operating in defiance of President Donald Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean.

The boarding and seizure was announced by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) on X, which said, “Through Operation Southern Spear, the Department of War is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard through the Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department. In another pre-dawn action, Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, launched from USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and apprehended Motor/Tanker Veronica without incident. The Veronica is the latest tanker operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean, proving the effectiveness of Operation Southern Spear yet again.”

SOUTHCOM added, “These operations are backed by the full power of the U.S. Navy’s Amphibious Ready Group, including the ready and lethal platforms of USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), USS San Antonio (LPD 17), and USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28). The only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully. The Department of War, in coordination with inter-agency partners, will defend our homeland by ending illicit activity and restoring security in the Western Hemisphere.”

Shortly after, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, issued a statement on X, which said, “Early this morning, a Coast Guard tactical team conducted a pre-dawn boarding and seizure of Motor Tanker Veronica in the Caribbean. As another sanctioned ghost fleet tanker, Motor Tanker Veronica had previously passed through Venezuelan waters, and was operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean. Through close coordination with our colleagues in the Departments of War, State, and Justice, our heroic Coast Guard men and women once again ensured a flawlessly executed operation, in accordance with international law.”

Secretary Noem added, “As we’ve now demonstrated through multiple boardings, there is no outrunning or escaping American justice — period. Our resolve is unshakeable and our mission coordination has never been better. America's Coast Guard remains Always Ready to apply the full force of its unique authorities and specialized capabilities against this threat anywhere, anytime.”

More on this as it becomes available.

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