The United States has successfully seized another tanker in the Caribbean, as announced by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday morning. In a detailed social media post, Noem highlighted that the vessel was operating in direct defiance of President Trump's established quarantine for sanctioned vessels in the region.
In her announcement, Secretary Noem shared a video of the operation, emphasizing that the seizure occurred without any incidents. Early this morning, a tactical team from the U.S. Coast Guard executed a pre-dawn boarding of the Motor Tanker Veronica, which had previously navigated Venezuelan waters.
According to Secretary Noem, the Motor Tanker Veronica is classified as a part of the sanctioned ghost fleet, indicating its involvement in illicit activities related to Venezuela. The vessel was operating in violation of the established quarantine designed to restrict Venezuelan-linked maritime activities in the Caribbean.
The operation was executed smoothly by the Marines and sailors from the Joint Task Force Southern Spear, who launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford. This successful boarding and seizure marks the sixth tanker associated with Venezuela that U.S. forces have apprehended in the last several weeks, reflecting the intensifying tensions between the United States and Venezuela.
This recent seizure underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to enforcing sanctions against Venezuela and its allies. With increasing maritime activities linked to the Venezuelan government, the U.S. is actively monitoring and responding to threats posed by these sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean.
The implications of such operations are significant, as they not only aim to disrupt the flow of resources to Venezuela but also to send a strong message regarding the enforcement of international sanctions. As tensions continue to escalate, the vigilance of U.S. forces in the region remains a critical component of U.S. foreign policy.
The seizure of the Motor Tanker Veronica is a clear indication of the ongoing efforts by the U.S. to combat the influence of Venezuela in the Caribbean. As the situation develops, it is crucial for observers to stay informed about further actions and strategies employed by the United States to uphold its sanctions and maintain maritime security.