Watch: U.S. Forces Seize Seventh Sanctioned Tanker Linked To Venezuela Oil Trade

U.S. military forces have seized a seventh oil tanker linked to Venezuela, continuing the Trump administration’s efforts to control the country’s oil exports and enforce sanctions in the Caribbean.

U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said on Tuesday that American forces took control of the Motor Vessel Sagitta without incident.

The command stated that the tanker was operating in violation of President Donald Trump’s quarantine on sanctioned vessels travelling to and from Venezuela.

According to SOUTHCOM, the seizure showed the U.S. government’s determination to ensure that oil leaving Venezuela is handled lawfully and under proper coordination.

The command shared aerial footage of the tanker at sea, although the video did not show U.S. personnel boarding the vessel, unlike earlier seizures.

The Sagitta is linked to Sunne Co. Limited, a Hong Kong-based company sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for its involvement with Russia.

The tanker is also under UK sanctions and has been described by U.S. authorities as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet”.

While some shipping records list the vessel as Liberian-flagged, U.S. sanctions documents identify it as sailing under the Panamanian flag.

The ship previously operated under the name Angelica Schulte.

Through #OpSouthernSpear, the @DeptofWar is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere in partnership with @USCG, @DHSgov and @TheJusticeDept.

This morning, U.S. military forces, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended… pic.twitter.com/UPADtiw681

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) January 20, 2026

Ship tracking data shows that the tanker last transmitted its position more than two months ago while leaving the Baltic Sea in northern Europe.

SOUTHCOM indicated that the vessel had loaded oil from Venezuela before it was seized.

The seizure of the Sagitta follows a series of similar actions that began on 10 December, when U.S. forces captured the first tanker linked to Venezuela.

Most of the vessels were seized near Venezuelan waters, although one tanker, Bella 1, was intercepted in the North Atlantic.

The Bella 1 had been sailing towards the Caribbean before suddenly changing course towards Europe and was later seized on 7 January.

On 3 January, the Trump administration carried out a surprise military operation that resulted in the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Since then, U.S. officials have stated that Washington intends to oversee Venezuela’s oil production, refining and international sales.

Officials in the Trump administration have said the tanker seizures are being used to enforce sanctions and raise funds to rebuild Venezuela’s damaged oil industry.

President Trump has also held discussions with oil industry executives about investing up to $100 billion to repair and expand the country’s oil infrastructure.

Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said the United States had already taken control of 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil.

He added that millions of barrels remained and claimed that selling the oil on the open market was helping to reduce global oil prices.

The U.S. government has said that revenue from Venezuelan oil sales will be held in U.S.-controlled accounts. It has also linked control of Venezuelan oil to pressure on Cuba, which relies heavily on Venezuelan crude supplies.

Meanwhile, Venezuela’s interim leadership has confirmed continued oil exports.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez said the country had received $300 million from recent exports and indicated that her administration plans to reform Venezuela’s hydrocarbon laws to attract greater foreign investment.

References: AP News, USNI

Source: Maritime Shipping News