US military forces seized this Thursday (15) the sixth oil tanker linked to the clandestine fleet of Venezuela’s allies, according to people familiar with the matter reported to The Wall Street Journal.
The interception took place in international waters in the Caribbean, close to the South American country.
“In another pre-dawn action, Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, departed the USS Gerald Ford and seized Engine/Tanker Veronica without incident,” U.S. Southern Command said in a note on the X. The tanker was flying the Guyanese flag.
According to a video shared by the US Army of the seizure, military personnel reached the tanker with the help of a helicopter and then troops descended from a rope to intercept the Veronica.
Through #OpSouthernSpearthe Department of War is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere in partnership with @USCG through @DHSgov and @TheJusticeDept.
In another pre-dawn action, Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear,… pic.twitter.com/brxO9xXUu3
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) January 15, 2026
US President Donald Trump announced in December a total blockade of Caracas ports to stop the transport of oil subject to US sanctions.
The sixth tanker was seized in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, in waters around Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
