politics
January 22, 2026
US seizes another oil tanker
Military officials said the motor vessel Sagitta is the seventh tanker in the Caribbean apprehended for allegedly defying US sanctions
TL;DR
- The US has seized a seventh crude tanker in the Caribbean for allegedly violating Venezuela sanctions.
- This action is part of a broader US effort to control Venezuelan oil exports following the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro.
- The Russian-flagged Marinera was previously stopped, drawing condemnation from Moscow.
- US Southern Command stated the seized Sagitta defied "Trump's established quarantine" to ensure "coordinated" oil exports.
- The US Justice Department is reportedly seeking warrants to seize more tankers involved in evading sanctions and moving Venezuelan oil.
- US officials have indicated an intention to control Venezuela's oil sales indefinitely.
- Russia has condemned the US actions, calling Maduro's capture a violation of international law and expressing solidarity with Venezuela.