The Times of India article, published on January 15, 2026, reports on the United States seizing another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, describing it as the fourth such operation since the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. However, corroborating reports from other outlets on the same date indicate that this latest seizure marks at least the sixth vessel targeted by US forces in recent weeks, aimed at enforcing sanctions against Venezuela and asserting control over its oil industry. The overarching context for these seizures is the dramatic and unprecedented event of President Maduro's reported capture by US military forces on January 3, 2026. This operation, attributed to the Trump administration, culminated months of military pressure and a campaign against alleged drug trafficking and 'narco-terrorism' linked to the Maduro government. The US has established a maritime blockade to prevent sanctioned oil from leaving Venezuela, with officials stating that only approved channels consistent with US law and national security interests are permitted to transport Venezuelan crude. The seizures are part of a broader strategy to influence Venezuela's governance and its vast oil resources, with the US indicating its intent to oversee the sale of Venezuelan petroleum worldwide. While the Times of India headline references a 'fourth such operation,' other January 2026 news articles frequently refer to a 'fifth' or 'sixth' seizure, indicating a slight discrepancy in the precise count of interdicted vessels by this date.