The U.S. Southern Command has announced that American military forces will persist in halting sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean engaged in illicit oil transportation activities. This move is part of their sustained effort to disrupt the so-called "dark fleet."
In a statement shared on social media platform X, the Southern Command confirmed that several tankers involved in an illegal shipping network have been seized by U.S. forces "without incident."
The statement emphasized that these vessels were "participating in an illicit oil transport network that circumvented sanctions and directly supported narco-terrorists and malevolent actors."
Highlighting Washington's unwavering commitment to maritime enforcement in the region, the statement underscored the ongoing nature of this initiative.
"The Department of Defense, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State, and the Department of Justice, remains dedicated to apprehending all tankers of the 'dark fleet' operating in defiance of the sanctions imposed by President Trump on sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean," the statement noted.
The official declaration clarifies that this operation is not a temporary measure but part of a long-term strategy aimed at curtailing illegal energy supply routes that fund sanctioned regimes and criminal organizations.
The Southern Command also mentioned that this effort is a component of Operation Southern Spear, spearheaded by the Department of Defense and executed in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, the Fourth Fleet Command (NAVSO/US4THFLT), the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), and the Southern Forces Command (MARFORSOUTH).
According to the release, these operations are conducted under the direct orders of President Donald Trump, aligning with his administration's priority to safeguard U.S. territory and ensure maritime security in the Western Hemisphere.
While the statement doesn’t specify particular countries, the initiative predominantly impacts vessels associated with the sanctioned oil transport from Venezuela to Cuba and other destinations.
The "dark fleet" consists of ships that operate with their transponders turned off or under false registrations to conceal the origin of their cargo and evade detection by international agencies.
The Trump administration perceives these vessels as part of a financial support network aiding sanctioned regimes, including those in Caracas and Havana.
With this declaration, the U.S. government reaffirms its resolve to maintain pressure in the Caribbean and strengthen maritime control in the region, especially in the context of political shifts following Nicolás Maduro's downfall and the suspension of Venezuelan oil supplies to Cuba.
Recently, it was revealed that President Donald Trump's administration is contemplating new measures to intensify pressure for regime change in Cuba. These measures could potentially include a complete blockade of oil imports to the island, according to three individuals familiar with the internal discussions reported by Politico.
Understanding the U.S. Crackdown on the Caribbean 'Dark Fleet'
What is the 'dark fleet' in the Caribbean?
The 'dark fleet' refers to a group of vessels that operate with their transponders off or under false registrations to hide the origin of their cargo and avoid detection, primarily involved in transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela to countries like Cuba.
Why is the U.S. intercepting vessels in the Caribbean?
The U.S. is intercepting these vessels as part of efforts to disrupt illegal oil transport networks that violate sanctions and support criminal organizations and sanctioned regimes, aligning with broader national security objectives.
What is Operation Southern Spear?
Operation Southern Spear is a coordinated effort led by the U.S. Department of Defense involving multiple military branches to enforce maritime security and intercept illegal activities in the Caribbean region.