New: Southern Spear Strikes Again, Tanker Seized Defying Sanctions

Southern Spear is putting a lot of seized rogue oil tankers up on whatever board they use for keeping score. On Tuesday, we were informed of yet another, the Motor Vessel Sagitta, boarded and taken on the high seas - well, in the Caribbean. U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) took to the official X account to count coup.

Through #OpSouthernSpear, the @DeptofWar is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere in partnership with @USCG, @DHSgov and @TheJusticeDept.

This morning, U.S. military forces, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended… pic.twitter.com/UPADtiw681

— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) January 20, 2026

The post continues:

...apprehended Motor Vessel Sagitta without incident. The apprehension of another tanker operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean demonstrates our resolve to ensure that the only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully. As the joint force operates in the Western Hemisphere, we reaffirm that the security of the American people is paramount, demonstrating our commitment to safety and stability. 

These operations are backed by the full power our elite joint force team deployed in the Caribbean.

This is the seventh rogue tanker seized to date, and the United States reportedly has warrants outstanding for several more. 

See our previous coverage:

Read More: Pre-Dawn Blitz: Navy, Marines Seize Another Tramp Oil Hauler

New Caribbean Quarantine Triumph: Ghost Fleet Vessel Captured

We might note, as my colleague strieff did recently, that this is not only a nudge at the "interim" government in Venezuela, but it's also a thumb in the eye of Cuba - and Russia.

Read More: Trump Sends a Powerful Message by Snatching Rogue Oil Tanker Under the Nose of the Russian Navy

These tankers had been operating with impunity, delivering their cargoes of oil into every wretched hive of scum and villainy on the planet. But now? They keep sending them out, and Southern Command keeps on rounding them up. The Motor Vessel Sagitta is a pretty decent 1st-anniversary present for the Trump administration, as well.

Stay tuned. It's a near-certainty that we will be reporting on more seizures before long.

Editor’s Note: Thanks to President Trump and his administration’s bold leadership, we are respected on the world stage, and our enemies are being put on notice.

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