US troops seizing the tanker (Image: US)
Dramatic footage has shown the moment another Venezuelan-linked tanker was seized by the US as fears of war between the countries soar. The high-stakes seizure comes just hours before President Donald Trump is due to meet Nobel Peace Prize-winning Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House.
The Veronica was intercepted in the Caribbean in A pre-dawn ‘board-and-seize’ mission. According to maritime records, The vessel is a crude oil tanker sailing under a Guyanese flag.
US Southern Command said Marines and sailors were deployed from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, with a US Coast Guard tactical team carrying out the boarding.
Dramatic images showing US Marines descending from helicopters and armed personnel can be seen fast-roping onto the deck before US forces quickly take control of the ship.
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the seizure, saying the vessel had been operating in defiance of sanctions imposed by President Trump.
She said the so-called « shadow fleet » tanker had previously passed through Venezuelan waters, placing it firmly within the scope of US enforcement action.
Troop descends on rope in dramatic seizure (Image: Southcom / SWNS)
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Speaking on X, the US Southern Command said: « This morning, a USCG (US Coastguard) tactical team boarded and seized Motor Tanker Veronica, a sanctioned oil tanker, in the Caribbean Sea.
« Our unique maritime law enforcement authorities – and thorough interagency coordination with the Departments of War, Justice, and State – ensured a safe, seamless operation in accordance with U.S. and international law.
« Alongside U.S. Sailors and Marines, our maritime fighting force is bringing every capability at our disposal to interdict ghost fleet tankers and uphold international law. With unwavering resolve, the Coast Guard continues operations to control, secure, and defend our U.S. borders and maritime approaches. We stand Always Ready to defend the American people from threats on the high seas. »
The seizure was carried out as part of Operation Southern Spear – a wider campaign to enforce sanctions on Venezuelan oil shipments.
The tanker is the sixth vessel seized by US forces as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on Venezuela’s oil industry and its global supply routes.
It is also the fourth tanker captured in less than a fortnight, highlighting the rapid escalation of US action against Venezuela-linked shipping.
Early this morning, a Coast Guard tactical team conducted a pre-dawn boarding and seizure of Motor Tanker Veronica in the Caribbean. As another sanctioned ghost fleet tanker, Motor Tanker Veronica had previously passed through Venezuelan waters, and was operating in defiance of… pic.twitter.com/MyWyQGH1h0
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 15, 2026
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This latest operation comes as relations between Washington and Caracas remain highly strained following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro earlier this month.
Ms Noem said it sent a clear warning, adding: « As we’ve now demonstrated through multiple boardings, there is no outrunning or escaping American justice – period. Our resolve is unshakeable and our mission coordination has never been better. America’s Coast Guard remains Always Ready to apply the full force of its unique authorities and specialised capabilities against this threat anywhere, anytime. »
The interim government in Caracas has previously denounced the US’s recent actions as illegal and « an act of aggression, » warning that the policy could further destabilise the region and inflame already tense diplomatic ties.
President Trump is now preparing to welcome Maduro’s long-time rival Maria Corina Machado to the White House, in a meeting that could shape the next phase of US involvement in Venezuela.
