Bangkok: The United States seized the oil tanker "Olina" in the Caribbean Sea, marking the fifth vessel targeted in recent weeks as part of its intensified efforts to block Venezuelan oil exports. U.S. officials disclosed the operation on Friday.

According to Thai News Agency, the Olina was flying a fake Timor-Leste flag and had recently been in the Caribbean after departing from Venezuela. The United States Southern Command announced on the X platform that Marines and Navy personnel from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, operating from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, took control of the vessel without incident.

Industry sources indicated that the Olina, which departed Venezuela last week with a full tank of fuel, was part of a fleet that set sail shortly after U.S. forces took custody of Venezuelan President Nicol¡s Maduro on January 3. The ship is now returning to Venezuela.

The British maritime risk management company Vanguard reported that the vessel's tracking device was last active 52 days ago in Venezuela's exclusive economic zone, northeast of Curacao. They noted that the seizure followed a pursuit of the oil tanker, associated with sanctioned Venezuelan oil shipments.

The USS Olina, formerly designated as Minerva M, was sanctioned by the United States in January last year for being part of a "Shadow Fleet" with insufficient oversight or insurance. Another tanker, the M Sophia, from the same fleet of 12 ships that left Venezuela, was also seized earlier this week. Three other tankers-Skylyn, Min Hang, and Merope-returned to Venezuelan waters on Thursday. Seven more tankers are expected to follow on Friday and Saturday.

The oil on these 10 ships is owned by PDVSA, Venezuela's state-owned oil company, which has not yet commented on the situation. The future actions of Washington regarding other tankers heading to Venezuela remain uncertain. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hexeth confirmed on Wednesday that the blockade of Venezuela's oil will persist globally.