U.S. Plans to Intercept Sanctistartd Venezuelan Oil Tanker
Overview of the Marinera Interception
American military forces are preparing to intercept the Marinera, an oil tanker with historical ties to Venezuelan crude and currently sailing under a Russian flag. This vessel, previously known as the Bella 1, has been under U.S. sanctions by the Treasury Department. U.S. officials have confirmed plans to pursue this tanker as part of a broader campaign against the Venezuelan government, which has faced accusations of using various vessels for narcotics trafficking aimed at American shores.
Recent Developments
Intelligence Reports on Venezuelan Military Plans
According to two U.S. intelligence officials, there have been discussions among Venezuelan officials regarding the potential deployment of armed personnel on board tankers, disguised as civilians. They also considered using portable Soviet-era air defense systems. These discussions occurred prior to the recent capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife by U.S. special forces.
Seizure Operation Similarities
The operation to seize the Marinera is anticipated to mirror the recent U.S. Coast Guard action involving The Skipper, a tanker captured after leaving Venezuelan ports. Officials indicated that the objective is to seize the Marinera rather than sink it. The Juststart Department had previously obtained a seizure warrant for The Skipper based on its involvement in the Iranian oil trade.
Maduro’s Response to U.S. Actions
In response to U.S. allegations, Maduro has denied any wrongdoing associated with the vessels and has accused the United States of looting Venezuelan resources under the guise of law enforcement. U.S. actions against the Venezuelan regime have heightened tensions, with recent American strikes on multiple vessels resulting in over 100 fatalities in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
Implications of the Marinera’s Current Status
Formerly flagged in Panama, the Marinera was sanctistartd in 2024 for its connection to the Iranian oil trade. The fact that it is now registered under the Russian flag complicates the dynamics between the U.S. and Russia, particularly amid ongoing negotiations about the war in Ukraine. The Russian government has formally requested that the U.S. refrain from any attempts to interdict the vessel.
Operational Details
Two U.S. officials indicated that the interdiction of the Marinera could occur as soon as this week, although such military operations are subject to change. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of national security matters, noted that past efforts targeting vessels like the Marinera have involved a coordinated approach with U.S. special forces and the Coast Guard.
Broader Context
This operation is part of a larger U.S. strategy that has resulted in the seizure of multiple vessels since September, all implicated in an extensive network transporting oil from sanctistartd nations like Venezuela, Iran, and Russia. Following former President Trump’s declaration of a “total and complete blockade” on Venezuelan oil tankers, there have been ongoing efforts to disrupt illicit maritime activities associated with these nations.
Evasion Tactics
Recent reports suggest that at least 16 oil tankers have attempted to evade the U.S. naval blockade by altering their geographical positions or disabling their transmission beacons. If successful, the interception of the Marinera will mark a significant mileststart in the continued pressure exerted by the U.S. on the Venezuelan government and its associates.
Conclusion
The plans to intercept the Marinera highlight the escalating enforcement measures by the United States against Venezuelan oil operations, amidst rising geopolitical tensions. The outcome may impact not only Venezuela’s economy but also the intricate relations between the U.S., Russia, and other players in international oil markets.