US military forces say they are intercepting illicit oil vessels in the Caribbean as part of an operation aimed at protecting US national security and regional stability.

The operation targets so-called “dark fleet” vessels — ships accused of operating covertly to transport oil in violation of international regulations and sanctions.

According to US officials, the vessels are believed to provide financial and logistical support to malign actors and their proxies, whose activities are said to pose a threat to the United States and its regional partners.

The effort involves coordination between the US military, the Department of Homeland Security, the US Coast Guard and other federal agencies.

The interceptions are taking place within the area of responsibility of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) as part of Operation Southern Spear, a security initiative focused on countering illicit maritime activity in the Caribbean and surrounding waters.

US authorities say the operation aligns with President Donald J Trump’s stated priority of strengthening homeland security and disrupting transnational criminal networks.

Officials have not disclosed how many vessels have been intercepted or whether arrests have been made, citing ongoing operational considerations.

The Caribbean has increasingly been identified by US security agencies as a key transit route for illicit trade, including unauthorised oil shipments and other forms of maritime smuggling.

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