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U.S. Military Seizes Sixth Tanker Amid Venezuela Sanctions

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. military seized the Motor Tanker Veronica on January 15, 2026, as part of ongoing sanctions against Venezuela.
Marines and sailors from the USS Gerald R. Ford conducted the operation.
The Coast Guard and Homeland Security supported the operation.
The tanker was reportedly under a Guyanese flag, marking the sixth tanker seized since the ousting of Nicolás Maduro.

History

Historical Context

Since 2014, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Venezuela, targeting Nicolás Maduro's regime in response to human rights abuses and electoral fraud. In 2019, sanctions intensified, particularly against the state-owned oil company PDVSA, aiming to cut off revenue streams. The 2026 seizure of the Motor Tanker Veronica highlights ongoing U.S. military efforts to enforce these sanctions, reflecting the broader struggle for democracy in Venezuela.

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Story summary

The U.S. military seized the Motor Tanker Veronica on January 15, 2026, as part of ongoing sanctions against Venezuela.
Marines and sailors from the USS Gerald R. Ford conducted the operation.
The Coast Guard and Homeland Security supported the operation.
The tanker was reportedly under a Guyanese flag, marking the sixth tanker seized since the ousting of Nicolás Maduro.

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