U.S. maritime forces in the Caribbean apprehended a seventh Venezuelan oil tanker, Sagitta, on Tuesday morning under the banner of Operation Southern Spear.
The operation was conducted by a joint task force in support of the Department of Homeland Security and marks another step in President Donald Trump’s efforts to interdict unauthorized Venezuelan energy exports.
Officials from U.S. Southern Command released a statement on X that said the interception occurred “without incident” and is part of a broader mission to “crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere.”
The seizure of the Sagitta is the latest in a series of interdictions enforcing the maritime “quarantine” established by the Trump administration.
Under this policy, the United States has mandated that all Venezuelan oil exports must be coordinated through “proper and lawful” channels to prevent the circumvention of international economic sanctions.
The administration has framed these sanctions as a matter of national security, with SOUTHCOM officials reiterating that protecting the United States is the top priority.
“As the joint force operates in the Western Hemisphere, we reaffirm that the security of the American people is paramount, demonstrating our commitment to safety and stability,” SOUTHCOM said in the statement.
The video accompanying the statement shows troops clearing the aft of the ship.
Proponents of the blockade argue it is necessary to disrupt unauthorized revenue streams while ensuring that energy exports comply with international oversight.
The interception comes at a complex moment for U.S.-Venezuela diplomacy, with Trump recently noting that his relationship with acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez has improved.
Following a phone call between the leaders, Trump described the dialogue as “very good,” citing progress on regional stabilization and national security.
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Under a recent agreement, Venezuelan oil is sold through the U.S. to provide oversight of buyers, with revenue being returned to Caracas to help stabilize the country’s economy.
Trump also met with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado last week to discuss the future of the country, including the release of political prisoners and the potential establishment of a democratic government.
