Caribbean Sea – U.S. Marines and sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear intercepted and seized the Motor/Tanker Veronica without incident in a pre‑dawn action on January 15, 2026.

The operation, conducted from the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) in support of the Department of Homeland Security, targeted the Veronica as it was operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean.

The Veronica is the latest tanker to be apprehended under Operation Southern Spear, a coordinated effort by the Department of War alongside interagency partners to crush illicit maritime activity in the Western Hemisphere.

The mission was backed by the full might of the U.S. Navy’s Amphibious Ready Group, including USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), USS San Antonio (LPD 17), and USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28).

Officials stated that only oil that is lawfully and properly coordinated will be allowed to leave Venezuela, reflecting the intent behind the ongoing interdiction efforts.

The Department of War said it will continue working with other agencies to defend the homeland, end illicit activity, and restore security throughout the Western Hemisphere.

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