Fri Jan 09 14:29:26 UTC 2026: # U.S. Seizes Another Oil Tanker Amidst Heightened Tensions with Venezuela and Russia

The Story: The United States military has seized another oil tanker, the Olina, in the Caribbean, furthering its campaign targeting vessels sanctioned for dealings with Venezuela. This action follows the seizure of two tankers, including a Russian-flagged vessel, Marinera, just two days prior. The U.S. alleges the Olina was previously sanctioned for transporting Russian oil and is now flying a “false flag.” These seizures occur in the wake of the widely condemned abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and amidst U.S. pledges to maintain its blockade on sanctioned oil tankers.

Key Points:

  • The U.S. military “apprehended” the Olina tanker in the Caribbean.
  • The Olina was allegedly sanctioned for moving Russian oil under its prior name, Minerva M.
  • The operation comes two days after the seizure of the Russian-flagged Marinera tanker.
  • The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the crew of the Marinera for failing to comply with coast guard orders.
  • Russia has condemned the seizures as a “gross violation” of international maritime law.
  • The seizures come after the abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by the U.S. military.
  • The Trump administration aims to open Venezuela’s oil reserves to US companies.
  • UN experts have previously stated that the U.S. has no right to enforce unilateral sanctions through an armed blockade.

Critical Analysis:

The timing of the U.S. seizures, immediately following Maduro’s abduction and Russia’s increasingly assertive presence in the region, suggests a deliberate strategy to exert maximum pressure on both Venezuela and Russia. The repeated disregard for international law, as highlighted by the UN experts and Russia’s denouncement, underscores a willingness by the U.S. to act unilaterally in pursuit of its strategic interests, primarily control over Venezuelan oil resources. The historical context, particularly the January 9, 2026, report of another tanker seized highlights the ongoing operation and further solidifies the theory that the United States plans to take control of Venezuela oil distribution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. is aggressively enforcing sanctions against Venezuela and those trading with it, particularly Russia.
  • These actions are increasing tensions between the U.S., Venezuela, and Russia.
  • The U.S. is facing international condemnation for its unilateral actions and perceived violations of international law.
  • Control over Venezuela’s oil resources appears to be a primary driver of U.S. foreign policy in the region.
  • The risk of escalating conflict in the Caribbean is increasing due to these assertive U.S. actions.

Impact Analysis:

The long-term implications of these events are significant. The U.S. actions could further destabilize Venezuela, exacerbate humanitarian crises, and deepen the rift between the U.S. and both Russia and China. The disregard for international law could embolden other nations to act unilaterally, undermining the existing international order. If the U.S. is successful in seizing control of Venezuelan oil, it could reshape global energy markets, potentially increasing U.S. influence but also creating resentment among other oil-producing nations. Finally, these events increase the risk of armed conflict, either directly between the U.S. and Venezuela or Russia, or through proxy conflicts.

Read More