US Forces Seize Sixth Venezuela-Linked Oil Tanker

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In a pre-dawn operation, the US military seized a sixth Venezuelan-linked oil tanker, the Veronica, in the Caribbean Sea, marking a continued effort to regulate Venezuelan oil exports. The US Southern Command announced the interception, highlighting it occurred “without incident” as the vessel defied sanctions imposed by US president Donald Trump. The operation underscores Washington's intentions to control shipments from Venezuela, by emphasising that only legally coordinated oil can depart the nation.

Following recent US military actions in Venezuela and the detainment of President Nicolás Maduro, Trump has aimed to exploit Venezuela's vast oil reserves. Monitoring firm TankerTrackers.com confirmed that authorities seized the Veronica, which was previously sailing under a Russian flag but is now registered with Guyana, while it was empty. The seizure is part of Trump's strategy to enforce a "quarantine of sanctioned vessels" and prevent the unauthorised transportation of oil.

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem noted the operation was a joint effort with military, state, and justice departments, celebrating the Coast Guard's role in upholding international law. This move aligns with broader US actions targeting the “dark fleet,” a term for over 1,000 vessels transporting sanctioned oil. Notably, the move comes as the US completes its first sale of Venezuelan oil valued at approximately THB 18.7 billion.

In recent talks, Trump proposed a USD 100 billion (THB 3.75 trillion) investment in Venezuela's energy infrastructure. However, oil executives have demanded reform to make the environment viable for investment. Because of tanker seizures, Venezuela's oil exports plummeted in January, with reports from Kpler indicating crude loadings fell to about 50% of normal levels. The US might expand its control over future oil shipments, as Kpler identified 15.5 million barrels awaiting export from Venezuelan waters.

The tanker seizure precedes a meeting between Trump and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House. While Trump acknowledged Machado as a "freedom fighter," he refrained from endorsing her as Venezuela's leader post-Maduro. In parallel, a Venezuelan envoy is slated to visit Washington for discussions on reopening diplomatic relations and potential embassy reinstatement.

The White House attributes the recent THB 18.7 billion energy deal significantly to collaboration with interim president Delcy Rodríguez, who also pledged to release political prisoners. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, confirmed the recent release of five American detainees, indicating ongoing diplomatic engagement, reported the BBC.

Key Takeaways

• The US has seized a sixth Venezuelan oil tanker, asserting control over exports.

• Seizures have significantly impacted Venezuela's oil shipments, now at reduced levels.

• Ongoing diplomatic efforts with Venezuela aim to reshape relations and energy strategies.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2026-01-16