US intercepts fifth tanker with Venezuelan oil: details of the maritime operation.

According to ТСН: Washington is increasing pressure on Caracas by implementing a strategy of complete isolation of Venezuela's oil revenues. American military successfully intercepted another vessel attempting to enter the 'quarantine zone' in the Caribbean Sea.

The fifth trophy at sea

According to American officials, on Friday morning, US Coast Guard units boarded the oil tanker Olina. This is already the fifth vessel that has come under US control as part of the campaign to track and block exports from Venezuela.

The main goal of this operation is to completely cut off the financial flows that could support the remnants of the regime or corrupt schemes after the possible arrest of Nicolás Maduro.

The Russian trail and the 'shadow fleet'

The detained vessel has a complicated history of evading sanctions. According to WSJ, the tanker was previously named Minerva M and was under US sanctions for participating in the transportation of Russian oil.

This move could escalate tensions between Washington and Moscow, especially following a recent incident involving the seizure of another vessel that was accompanied by a Russian military ship.

According to insider information, the interception occurred near the island of Trinidad. The tanker tried to disguise itself under a false flag of Timor-Leste.

“The AIS (location) tracker of the vessel was last active 52 days ago in the exclusive economic zone of Venezuela,” reported the British maritime risk management firm Vanguard.

Failed voyage

According to industry insiders, Olina left Venezuela last week, fully loaded with oil, as part of a small flotilla. This occurred after Maduro's arrest on January 3. However, due to the blockade established by the US, the vessel was unable to deliver the cargo and was forced to return, where it was intercepted.

It should be noted that earlier Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US plans to confiscate and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, and the proceeds will be used to stabilize the country. The US administration is applying a 'three-stage process' that includes stabilization, recovery, and reconciliation.

This incident is yet another testament to the global fight against the illegal export of Venezuelan oil, which continues against the backdrop of political crises in the country. Washington's efforts to limit the financial resources of Maduro's regime underscore its intention to support democratic changes in Venezuela.