Background on Key Figures and Relevance
The United States Coast Guard has taken control of the tanker Olina in Caribbean waters, suspected of carrying “sanctioned” Venezuelan crude oil, according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Southern Command.
Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and U.S. Southern Command reported this seizure as part of Operation Sword of the South from the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, concluding “without incident.”
Operation Sword of the South and its Objectives
“Operation Sword of the South remains steadfast in its mission to protect our homeland by ending illicit activity and restoring security in the Western Hemisphere,” according to a statement.
Olina’s History and Recent Intercepts
The Olina is the third Venezuelan-linked tanker seized by U.S. forces this week and the fifth since the initial seizures began. Two tankers were intercepted on Wednesday: one in the North Atlantic and another in the Caribbean Sea.
Olina’s False Flag and Previous Activities
The Olina was falsely flying under the flag of East Timor and had previously departed from Venezuela, only to return to the region, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter.
“The vessel’s AIS (tracking) was last active 52 days ago in Venezuela’s Exclusive Economic Zone, northeast of Curacao,” stated British maritime risk management company Vanguard.
U.S. Sanctions and the Olina’s History
The U.S. imposed sanctions on the Olina in January of last year, when it was named Minerva M and became part of the so-called “shadow fleet” of vessels operating outside international norms.
Impact on Venezuela and Regional Tensions
The Olina set sail from Venezuela last week fully loaded with oil as part of a convoy shortly after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3. The tanker was returning to Venezuela with its full cargo following the U.S. block on Venezuelan oil exports, according to the source.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Nicolás Maduro? Nicolás Maduro is the current President of Venezuela, who has been in power since 2013. His government has faced international criticism and sanctions due to alleged human rights abuses, corruption, and mismanagement of the country’s economy.
- What are sanctioned oil shipments? Sanctioned oil shipments refer to crude oil exports from Venezuela that are targeted by international sanctions, primarily imposed by the United States. These sanctions aim to pressure the Maduro government by restricting its access to vital oil revenue.
- Why are U.S. forces targeting Venezuelan tankers? The U.S. Coast Guard and other military forces are targeting Venezuelan tankers to enforce international sanctions against the Maduro government. By seizing these vessels, the U.S. aims to limit Venezuela’s ability to export oil and generate revenue, thereby increasing pressure on the regime.
- What is the “shadow fleet” of vessels? The “shadow fleet” refers to a group of ships that operate outside international maritime regulations, often used by governments or entities to evade sanctions or engage in illicit activities.
- How do these seizures affect Venezuela’s economy? These seizures directly impact Venezuela’s already struggling economy by reducing its oil export capacity and revenue. This, in turn, exacerbates shortages of essential goods and services within the country.
