The Department of Defense announced on Tuesday that it had apprehended another sanctioned tanker vessel in the Caribbean as part of its endeavor to suppress illicit activities in the Western Hemisphere.
U.S. Southern Command confirmed that the Motor Vessel Sagitta was apprehended earlier that day without any incidents.
Video footage showed the vessel navigating through the ocean with individuals on its deck.
Officials stated in a social media post, “The apprehension of another tanker operating in violation of President Trump’s established embargo underscores our determination to ensure that only oil leaving Venezuela is coordinated properly and legally.”
‘As the U.S. conducts operations in the Western Hemisphere, we reaffirm that the security of the American people is of utmost importance, showcasing our commitment to safety and stability.’
The apprehension was part of #OpSouthernSpear, in collaboration with the [missing entity], Department of Homeland Security, and the Justice Department.
The U.S. has now seized seven oil tankers since intensifying its campaign against illicit oil trade by Venezuela.
The intercepted vessels have either been under U.S. sanctions or belong to a ‘shadow fleet’ of unregulated ships that disguise their origins to transport oil from major sanctioned producers, such as Iran, Russia, and Venezuela.
Officials previously stated that the only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and legally.
Digital’s Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.
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