The United States military has confirmed the seizure of a seventh oil tanker connected to Venezuela,
marking a further escalation in Washington’s efforts to control the production and export of the country’s vast oil reserves.
According to US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which oversees American military-
operations in Latin America, the vessel — identified as the Motor Vessel Sagitta
— was intercepted in the Caribbean while operating-
in violation of US restrictions on Venezuelan oil shipments.
SOUTHCOM stated that the operatio
n was carried out smoothly and without confrontation,
releasing footage that appears to show US forces approaching and boarding the tanker at sea.
Officials described the action as part of an ongoing blockade targeting vessels entering or leaving Venezuela without authorization.
“The interception of another tanker defying the president’s quarantine order sends a clear message,”
SOUTHCOM said, adding that any Venezuelan oil exported must comply with US-approved and lawful channels.
The latest seizure follows a broader campaign that began in December,
aimed at increasing pressure on Venezuela through sanctions and maritime enforcement.
Tensions between Washington and Caracas intensified earlier this month after President Donald Trump authorized a high-risk military operation targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
US officials have repeatedly argued that Venezuela’s oil –
industry was unfairly taken from American interests
after the country nationalized its petroleum sector in the 1970s.
While legal experts widely dispute these claims, citing violations of Venezuelan sovereignty, the Trump administration maintains that tighter control over oil exports is necessary.
President Trump has openly stated that the United States will oversee the sale of Venezuelan oil on global markets, with revenues placed under US supervision.
Speaking at a White House briefing,
he claimed that tens of millions of barrels have already been taken and sold, contributing to lower global oil prices.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s interim leadership says the country has continued to generate revenue from oil sales and plans to reform its hydrocarbon laws to attract more foreign investment in the future.
The seizures have also raised international legal concerns, particularly over the use of military force to enforce economic sanctions — a practice that remains highly contested under international law.
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