U.S. military forces successfully seized control of a seventh oil tanker connected to Venezuela on Tuesday in line with the Trump administration’s efforts to manage the oil resources in the South American nation. The U.S. Southern Command announced through social media that the Motor Vessel Sagitta was apprehended without any issues for operating in violation of the sanctioned vessels quarantine in the Caribbean by President Trump. The specifics of whether the U.S. Coast Guard took control of the tanker were not disclosed this time.
The Sagitta, a Liberian-flagged vessel owned and operated by a Hong Kong-based company, was last tracked exiting the Baltic Sea in northern Europe more than two months ago. The tanker was subjected to sanctions by the U.S. Treasury Department under an executive order related to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The U.S. Southern Command’s post indicated that the ship had been involved in taking oil from Venezuela. It emphasized the determination to ensure that only properly coordinated and lawful oil transactions leave Venezuela. Despite showing aerial footage of the Sagitta at sea, the video did not feature U.S. forces approaching the ship as seen in previous clips.
Following the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, the Trump administration has been actively pursuing control over Venezuela’s oil production, refining, and global oil distribution. The administration sees the seizure of tankers as a means to generate revenue while aiming to revitalize Venezuela’s oil sector and economy.
During a recent meeting with oil company executives, Trump discussed plans to invest $100 billion in Venezuela for oil production and distribution enhancements. Trump mentioned that the U.S. had already extracted 50 million barrels of oil from Venezuela and anticipated selling at least 30 to 50 million more barrels.
The first tanker seizure occurred off the Venezuelan coast on December 10, with subsequent seizures mainly taking place near Venezuela, except for the Bella 1, which was captured in the North Atlantic. The Bella 1 altered its course toward Europe after cruising across the Atlantic and was eventually captured on January 8.
In the aftermath of Maduro’s removal, Trump stated that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela for an unspecified period. Delcy Rodríguez, the former vice-president under Maduro, has assumed the role of interim president. Rodríguez confirmed on Tuesday that Venezuela had received $300 million from oil sales as part of the oil supply deal with Caracas.
Before Maduro’s removal, the U.S. had escalated pressure on Caracas through military actions, including the oil tanker seizures and strikes on alleged drug boats off Venezuela’s coast. The U.S. military presence in the region had sparked inquiries regarding potential intentions to invade Venezuela.