U.S. Seizes Sixth Sanctioned Tanker Linked To Venezuela
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WASHINGTON — U.S. Southern Command said U.S. forces apprehended Motor/Tanker Veronica in a pre-dawn Caribbean operation on Jan.15, marking the sixth sanctioned vessel seized under a Trump administration quarantine on Venezuela-linked tankers. Marines and sailors launched from USS Gerald R. Ford and a U.S. Coast Guard team conducted the boarding; officials said the seizure occurred without incident and shared video. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Veronica had passed through Venezuelan waters and defied sanctions. Shipping analytics firm Kpler, cited by the Wall Street Journal, reports Venezuela’s crude loadings fell about half this month. Based on 8 articles reviewed and supporting research.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Trump administration established a quarantine on sanctioned Venezuelan vessels prior to recent interdictions.
- 2. Multiple U.S. seizures of Venezuela-linked tankers occurred in recent weeks, including a reported fifth seizure the week before Jan.15.
- 3. Jan.15: U.S. Southern Command reported Marines and Sailors launched from USS Gerald R. Ford to apprehend Motor/Tanker Veronica in the Caribbean.
- 4. Officials including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem posted video and statements saying the boarding and seizure occurred without incident.
- 5. Wall Street Journal, citing Kpler, reported Venezuela crude loadings fell to about half normal levels during the month.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
