The United States seized another oil tanker near Venezuela in the Caribbean

The ship, detained under the “Lanza del Sur” operation, was identified under the name Sagitta, according to the United States Southern Command. According to different marine traffic monitors, it previously circulated under the flag of the countries of Panama and Liberia.

The Southern Command detailed that the tanker was operating “defying quarantine” that Trump imposed on sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. The operation was carried out in the morning and the armed forces detailed that the seizure occurred without incident.

“As the joint force operates in the Western Hemisphere, we reaffirm that the safety of the American people is paramount, demonstrating our commitment to security and stability,” the Southern Command added. And he concluded: “These operations are supported by the full power of our elite joint force team deployed in the Caribbean.”

This would be the seventh operation since the Administration began the seizures and blockade of sanctioned ships in the Caribbean, which began as a pressure measure against the Government of the deposed president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro.

The previous ones were the ships Skipper and Centuries, in December; and Olina, M/T Sophia and Verónica, already in January.

After Maduro’s capture, Trump maintains that Washington maintains tutelage over the Venezuelan government and has announced agreements to receive millions of barrels of crude oil from that country.

In addition, the Republican began negotiations with American oil companies to gather investments for Venezuela. The recovery plan requires $100 billion over ten years, according to Trump.

Meanwhile, Delcy Rodríguez, president in charge of Venezuela, sent a project to the National Assembly last week to reform the hydrocarbon law. To date, investments in the sector require joint participation with PDVSA, which must retain the majority stake.