Caribbean – On Jan. 20, 2026, a maritime interdiction operation was carried out under Operation Southern Spear as part of efforts to confront illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere.

The Department of War said the operation is being conducted in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard through the Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department.

Earlier today, U.S. military forces supporting the Department of Homeland Security apprehended the motor vessel Sagitta. Officials said the interception was completed without incident.

Authorities stated that the tanker was operating in defiance of a quarantine established by President Trump on sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean. They said the action showed determination to ensure that oil departing Venezuela does so only through lawful and properly coordinated means.

The Department of War said these operations are supported by the full power of an elite joint force deployed in the Caribbean, reaffirming that the security of the American people remains the top priority.

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