US Coast Guard Seizes Tanker Linked to Venezuela
January 9, 2026
The United States Coast Guard recently seized another tanker linked to Venezuela as part of efforts to enforce an American blockade. The tanker Olina, formerly known as Minerva M, was sanctioned for transporting Russian oil. This new development may escalate tensions between the US and Russia, following the seizure of a vessel reportedly under Russian protection. These seizures are strategic moves by the government to pressure Venezuela and weaken the so-called 'shadow' Russian fleet. The tanker is flagged in East Timor and was recently traveling under a false flag near the Venezuelan coast.