US seizes seventh tanker as pressure on Venezuelan oil trade intensifies

US military forces have boarded and taken control of a seventh oil tanker tied to Venezuelan crude shipments, underscoring Washington’s escalating enforcement campaign in the Caribbean. The latest seizure, reported by Splash 247 , forms part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to control the flow of oil linked to Venezuela.

 

On Tuesday, US personnel seized the tanker Sagitta, adding it to a growing list of vessels targeted for operating in defiance of US sanctions. The move highlights a tougher stance toward ships connected to restricted oil trades in the region.

 

According to registration data, Sagitta is owned and managed by a Hong Kong-based company. The vessel was sanctioned by both the US and the UK more than a year ago for its involvement in transporting Russian oil. Following those measures, it reportedly shifted operations to Venezuelan routes, with its flag status remaining unclear.

 

US Southern Command said the seizure reflects its determination to enforce a quarantine on sanctioned vessels operating in the Caribbean. Officials stated that oil exports leaving Venezuela must be conducted through lawful and coordinated channels.

 

Washington is preparing further action. Scores of seizure warrants targeting Venezuela-linked tankers are now in play as the US tightens pressure on the shadow fleet moving the country’s oil exports.

 

The seizure marks another escalation in the US campaign against Caracas. Since the January 3 capture of President Nicolás Maduro by US forces, the Trump administration has signaled its intention to maintain control over Venezuela’s oil resources while attempting to rebuild the country’s severely weakened oil sector.

 

Source: U.S. Southern Command / X

Picture: US Marine Corps