US forces apprehend sanctioned vessel in Caribbean maritime operation targeting illicit oil transport
Motor Vessel Sagitta apprehended as part of mission to crush illicit Venezuelan oil activity
By
Alexandra KochFox NewsPublished
January 20, 2026 4:40pm ESTclose
VideoUS forces seize Venezuelan oil tanker in latest operation
The U.S. military seized another Venezuelan oil tanker in the Caribbean, with support from the Department of Homeland Security, Jan. 20, according to U.S. Southern Command. (Southcom via X)
NEW
You can now listen to Fox News articles!
The Department of War announced on Tuesday U.S. military forces apprehended another sanctioned tanker vessel in the Carribean as part of its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere.
U.S. Southern Command confirmed "Motor Vessel Sagitta" was apprehended earlier in the day without incident.
Video showed the vessel moving through the ocean with people on board the deck of the ship.
U.S. officials released new footage of a Venezuelan oil tanker that was seized in the Caribbean on Tuesday. (Southcom via X)
"The apprehension of another tanker operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean demonstrates our resolve to ensure that the only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully," officials wrote in a statement on social media.
"As the joint force operates in the Western Hemisphere, we reaffirm that the security of the American people is paramount, demonstrating our commitment to safety and stability," they continued.
The Venezuelan oil tanker was seized by U.S. forces Tuesday, according to officials. (Southcom via X)
The apprehension was part of #OpSouthernSpear, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, and the Justice Department.
The U.S. military seized another fugitive oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Caribbean on Jan. 15, according to U.S. Southern Command. (US Southern Command)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Breaking news. Check back for updates.
Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.
She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.
Related Topics
- U.S. Defense & Military Politics
- MILITARY
- Coast Guard
- Venezuelan Political Crisis
- World
- Homeland Security
Antisemitism Exposed
Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world."
Arrives
Weekly
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
Subscribe
Subscribed
Subscribe
You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!
Tags: 7ee67fa4-4492-56f3-a8e1-37374e650ef4, fnc, Fox News, fox-news/politics/defense, fox-news/us/military, fox-news/us/military/coast-guard, fox-news/topic/venezuelan-political-crisis, fox-news/world, fox-news/politics/executive/homeland-security, fox-news/world, article