The U.S. Special Operations Command vessel MV Ocean Trader has been identified operating southwest of St. Kitts, according to analysis of Sentinel-2 satellite imagery from September 20, 2025. The vessel, described as a "black ship" converted from a commercial Ro-Ro ship, serves as a clandestine forward operating base for special forces teams and small craft, capable of blending with commercial traffic. Its presence in the Caribbean region could indicate a new phase of operations, though its exact mission remains unconfirmed. The identification was confirmed by multiple sources referencing satellite imagery, including an X post from [@mt_anderson](https://twitter.com/mt_anderson) and a report on fremantleshipingNews.com.au. This sighting represents a significant deployment, as the MV Ocean Trader was last spotted in the Middle East at NSA Bahrain on May 23, 2025. The purpose of its current operations in the Caribbean—whether counter-narcotics, other missions, or a coincidence—is not officially stated. This development occurs amidst heightened diplomatic tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro previously sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump on September 21st, 2025, rejecting accusations of drug trafficking ties. President Trump had stated, "we'll see what happens with Venezuela." Additionally, the tenth report of the International Mission for the Determination of the Acts of the United Nations for Venezuela, detailing alleged systematic political persecution, is scheduled for presentation to the UN Human Rights Council on Monday, September 22nd, 2025. Separately, the aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman (CVN-75) arrived off the east coast of Florida on September 21st, 2025, to participate in the UNITAS 2025 exercise. Heavy rains have also caused landslides in Caracas, Venezuela, affecting families in high-risk areas, while Venezuelan civilians are reportedly undergoing training with AK-103 rifles amidst increased tensions with the United States. A YouGov survey released on September 21st, 2025, indicated that a majority of Americans oppose U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
