In a recent operation, U.S. military personnel boarded an oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, as reported on Friday. This action is part of the ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to intercept tankers linked to sanctioned activities involving Venezuela.

The pre-dawn raid, executed by U.S. Marines and Navy forces, marks a continuation of a strategic military buildup in the Caribbean. U.S. Southern Command emphasized their stance against criminal activities, announcing the capture of the vessel named Olina with a firm statement that “there is no safe haven for criminals.”

Southern Command shared unclassified video footage on social media, showcasing a U.S. helicopter landing on the tanker and military personnel conducting a thorough search of its deck.

The Olina represents the fifth tanker seized by U.S. forces in a broader campaign initiated by President Donald Trump’s administration. This initiative aims to curb the global distribution of Venezuelan oil products, following the U.S.-led removal of President Nicolás Maduro in an unexpected nighttime operation.

A spokesperson from Southern Command informed The Associated Press that the operation was supported by Navy and Marine Corps units under the leadership of the Department of Homeland Security. The spokesperson refrained from confirming the vessel’s connections to Venezuela or its sanctioned status, redirecting such inquiries to the Justice Department and Homeland Security.

The U.S. Coast Guard declined to comment and told the AP that it was directing all requests for comment to the White House.