U.S. Military Cooperation with Venezuela's Interim Government Over Oil Tanker

Following the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodríguez has engaged in an unprecedented military cooperation with the United States to recover an oil tanker that departed without authorization. The tanker, known as Olina or Minerva M, left a port in eastern Venezuela carrying approximately half a million barrels of oil owned by businessman Alex Saab. The Venezuelan state oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), reported that the tanker left without payment or permission, prompting U.S. military involvement to facilitate its return.

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Delcy Rodríguez, previously the foreign minister, has risen to prominence following Maduro's capture by U.S. forces. Her combative approach to international relations, particularly during protests against the Venezuelan government in 2014, has shaped her political trajectory. Rodríguez's leadership has been characterized by her efforts to stabilize the country amidst widespread unrest and economic turmoil.

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The U.S. military has recently intensified its operations in the region, seizing two oil tankers attempting to evade sanctions against Venezuela's oil industry. One tanker was intercepted in the North Atlantic, while the second was captured in the Caribbean. These actions align with the Trump administration's strategy to impose control over Venezuela's oil resources, with plans to manage the sale of 30 to 50 million barrels of oil, potentially generating $1.8 to $3 billion.

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The U.S. government has confirmed its role in assisting the return of the Olina, with President Trump stating that the tanker left Venezuela without U.S. approval and is returning "in coordination" with Rodríguez. PDVSA has publicly stated that it did not authorize the tanker’s departure and has expressed gratitude for U.S. support in its recovery.

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Critics of the U.S. intervention argue that the military actions exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, where security forces have intensified repression against dissenters. Reports indicate that the government is actively hunting for individuals supporting U.S. intervention, raising concerns about human rights violations.

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There are discrepancies regarding the extent of U.S. military involvement and the implications of the tanker seizure. While some sources emphasize the cooperative nature of the U.S.-Venezuela relationship under Rodríguez, others highlight the potential for increased tensions with Russia, given Maduro's previous alignment with Moscow.

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• “launched without payment, nor the authorization of Venezuelan authorities,” — PDVSA

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• “She was yelling at them, using very aggressive language,” — Imdat Oner, former diplomat

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This evolving situation reflects the complexities of international relations and the ongoing struggle for power and resources in Venezuela.

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