US Military Seizes Venezuela-Linked Oil Tanker Olina Amid 2026 Caribbean Standoff

The Caribbean Sea has turned into a high-stakes capture zone. The United States military has seized another oil tanker as part of its escalating pressure campaign against Venezuela and sanctioned entities. According to Reuters, the US Southern Command confirmed on January 9, 2026, that its forces apprehended the Olina tanker without incident.

US Military Seizes Oil Tanker Olina: Escalating Maritime Sanctions

The vessel, formerly known as the Minerva M, was reportedly targeted for its history of moving sanctioned Russian oil. International registries noted the ship was flying a 'false flag' at the time of its capture. This operation marks the latest in a series of aggressive maritime maneuvers by the Trump administration, which has vowed to maintain a strict blockade on any vessels assisting the sanctioned Venezuelan regime.

Geopolitical Backlash and International Law

The move hasn't gone without fierce opposition. Russia has decried the seizures as a 'gross violation' of international maritime law. Meanwhile, United Nations experts have voiced concerns, calling the armed blockade an 'illegal armed aggression.' Despite the legal friction, President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that he cancelled a second wave of attacks because 'cooperation' on rebuilding Venezuela's oil infrastructure is improving—though military ships remain deployed.