From the command of the operation, United States spokespersons stressed the strategic nature of the intervention. “Once again, our joint interagency forces sent a clear message this morning: there is no safe haven for criminals”, mission officials stated.
The seizure falls within the framework of the Southern Spear Operation of the United States Department of Defense. This is aimed at putting an end to illicit activities and strengthening security in the Western Hemisphere.
The capture of the Olina adds to two other seizures carried out days earlier. On Wednesday, the United States intercepted the tankers Bella 1 —registered under the Russian flag— and M/T Sophia, in separate operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea.
In the case of Bella 1, the vessel was intercepted after a two-week chase and ended up yielding after repeated boarding attempts by the Coast Guard. M/T Sophia, meanwhile, was identified as part of the so-called “dark fleet” and captured without incident in Caribbean waters.
The authorities clarified that these operations are part of the same maritime control campaign, but they correspond to differentiated interventions, each with its own deployment and coordination.
imagen del buque Marinera a la distancia, publicada el 7 de enero de 2026
Regional security and maritime control
From Washington, officials reiterated that the seizures will continue as long as attempts to evade the naval blockade persist. These include tactics such as turning off tracking systems or falsifying routes and names of the vessels.
The stated objective of Operation Southern Spear is to restore security in the region. Officials also seek to neutralize illegal trafficking networks and strengthen control in international waters that are strategic for the Western Hemisphere.
United States carried out in the early hours of the day the seizure of the tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea. This search took place within the framework of a joint operation aimed at combating illicit activities linked to Venezuela.
The action was carried out by sailors and marines of the Southern Spear Joint Task Force, with support from the Department of Homeland Security and coordination among different federal agencies. The boarding was carried out without incident, according to official sources.
This is the third vessel intercepted in the week, during operations related to the naval blockade imposed on ships associated with Venezuelan oil activities.
Military deployment and naval support
The operation began before dawn, with the deployment of forces from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, from where the units in charge of the interdiction departed.
The seizure of the Olina also had the support of the United States Navy's Ready Amphibious Group. The unit is made up of naval platforms considered key for this type of mission, such as USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, and USS Fort Lauderdale.
The authorities emphasized that this deployment guarantees immediate operational capability and effective deterrence against attempts to evade maritime control.
