In a dramatic pre-dawn operation on Friday, the U.S. seized its fifth oil tanker allegedly linked to Venezuela. The vessel Olina was intercepted in the Caribbean Sea by Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford. 🚢
Just days after a U.S. raid on January 3 that captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, a team of diplomats led by chargé d'affaires John McNamara arrived in Caracas. Their mission: explore a phased reopening of the U.S. embassy, closed since 2019.
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that a second wave of strikes would not be needed thanks to cooperation from acting president Delcy Rodriguez. He praised efforts to rebuild oil and gas infrastructure and noted the release of seven political prisoners, with more expected. He also said U.S. ships would remain in place for safety and security purposes.
Trump revealed plans for at least 100 billion dollars in investment by "BIG OIL" and said U.S. companies will market stored oil and control future sales indefinitely. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed the U.S. aims to oversee Venezuela’s oil output and sales.
On the diplomatic front, Foreign Minister Yvan Gil announced the start of exploratory talks with Washington to address the recent seizures and discuss a joint agenda on issues of mutual interest. Acting president Delcy Rodriguez connected with Brazilian President Lula da Silva, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to coordinate a response based on international law and dialogue. 🌐🤝
As tensions and cooperation intertwine, all eyes are on Caracas, where oil, diplomacy, and geopolitical chess moves are unfolding in real time. Stay tuned as this story develops! ✨
Reference(s):
U.S. seizes another oil tanker as Venezuela begins exploratory talks
cgtn.com
