Overview of the Operation
U.S. military and law enforcement forces conducted a coordinated pre‑dawn operation in the Caribbean Sea to seize the Motor/Tanker Veronica, a vessel identified by Washington as operating in violation of U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports. The boarding was carried out without incident, with personnel from the U.S. Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard asserting control of the tanker early Thursday. This action is part of a broader enforcement campaign targeting oil shipments that U.S. authorities say have been used to evade sanctions and undermine international trade controls.
Deployment and Tactics Used
Officials said that Marines and sailors assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Spear, supported by a Coast Guard tactical team, launched from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and executed the boarding in international waters. U.S. Southern Command released brief social media footage showing helicopters and boarding teams securing the vessel’s deck, demonstrating precision and coordination among the participating units. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the operation conformed with international law and emphasized that the crew took control of the ship efficiently and safely.
Sanctions and Legal Context
U.S. officials have described the Veronica as the sixth sanctioned oil tanker interdicted under the current Caribbean quarantine effort, part of an intensified sanctions enforcement strategy. The vessel was reportedly transiting through Venezuelan waters in defiance of a quarantine on sanctioned ships, prompting action from U.S. forces to ensure compliance with export controls aimed at restricting unauthorized oil shipments. Authorities characterize these interdictions as necessary to uphold maritime law and prevent attempts to circumvent established sanctions frameworks.
Strategic Implications
This latest seizure shows Washington’s focus on tight enforcement of sanctions tied to Venezuelan oil, reflecting broader geopolitical priorities related to regional stability and economic oversight. By targeting ships that are part of what some analysts call a “shadow fleet,” U.S. officials aim to disrupt illicit transport networks and curtail revenue streams that might otherwise bolster sanctioned entities. While the seizures align with enforcement goals, they also contribute to heightened diplomatic attention on maritime sanctions and regional energy dynamics.
Here is the video of the operation:
