U.S. Seizes Fifth "Ghost Fleet" Tanker in Venezuela Oil Crackdown

The United States has boarded and seized another oil tanker used to evade sanctions on Venezuela. This marks the fifth such vessel taken in a recent enforcement push. The U.S. Coast Guard captured the tanker named *Olina* in international waters east of the Caribbean Sea. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the action. Authorities target these ships, often called the "ghost fleet," for illegally transporting Venezuelan crude oil. The U.S. bans most oil transactions with Venezuela's state-run company. This ongoing operation aims to cut off funding to President Nicolás Maduro's government. The U.S. recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate president. The seizure of the *Olina* demonstrates expanded maritime enforcement. Previous boardings occurred in the Asia-Pacific region, showing a global effort to disrupt these oil shipments.