The United States military has seized another oil tanker in the Caribbean, as it continues to target vessels sanctioned by Washington in its pressure campaign against Venezuela.
In a statement on Friday, the US military Southern Command said its forces had “apprehended” the Olina tanker “without incident”.
Once again, our joint interagency forces sent a clear message this morning: ‘there is no safe haven for criminals,’” it said.
It did not say why the tanker was targeted or offer further details on alleged violations.
US government records show that the Olina was sanctioned for moving Russian oil under its prior name, Minerva M, according to the Associated Press news agency.
International shipping registries said the tanker is currently flying a “false flag”, the agency reported.
Shortly after the seizure, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted unclassified footage on social media of a US helicopter landing on the vessel and forces using what appeared to be an explosive device on door on the ship.
Noem described the vessel as “another ‘ghost fleet’ tanker ship suspected of carrying embargoed oil”. She added it had departed Venezuela “attempting to evade US forces”.
The operation comes two days after US forces seized two oil tankers, including the Russian-flagged Marinera oil tanker, originally known as the Bella-1.
The US Department of Justice has since said it was investigating the crew of the ship, which was seized in the northern Atlantic, for failing to comply with coastguard orders and would pursue charges.
Russia has decried the seizure as a “gross violation” of international maritime law and called on the US to release the crew.
