US Forces Seize Sanctioned Tanker ‘Sagitta‘ in Caribbean
The operation was conducted by U.S. military forces in support of the Department of Homeland Security, according to U.S. Southern Command. “Through #OpSouthernSpear, the @DeptofWar is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere in partnership with @USCG, @DHSgov and @TheJusticeDept,” the command said in a statement posted to X.
The Sagitta (imo-9296822/”>IMO imo-9296822/”>9296822) had served Russia’s oil export operations for three years before being sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury on January 10, 2025. The vessel then shifted to exporting fuel oil out of Venezuela in August 2025 under what TankerTrackers described as a “zombie alias.”
Background: Sanctioned Vessel’s History
According to maritime intelligence firm TankerTrackers.com, the Sagitta had served Russia’s oil export operations for three years before being sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury on January 10, 2025. The vessel then shifted to exporting fuel oil out of Venezuela in August 2025 under what TankerTrackers described as a “zombie alias.”
Enforcement Actions: A Pattern Emerges
The latest seizure follows a pattern of aggressive enforcement actions by U.S. authorities since President Trump announced a “complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela” on December 16, 2025.
Last week, on January 15, U.S. military and Coast Guard forces seized the sanctioned motor tanker Veronica in
Original Article: U.S. Forces Seize Sanctioned Tanker ‘Sagitta’ in Caribbean, Marking Seventh Vessel Captured — Gcaptain