U.S. Military Seizes Two Oil Tankers Linked to Venezuela
Overview of the Operations
On January 7, 2026, the United States conducted operations to seize two oil tankers associated with Venezuela-start in the North Atlantic and the other in the Caribbean Sea. The U.S. European Command confirmed the seizure of the tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella-1, citing violations of U.S. sanctions and a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court. The operation was executed following months of tracking by the USCGC Munro.
Background Context
The pursuit of the Marinera aligns with the U.S. government’s intensified pressure on former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was recently captured by U.S. forces. This seizure follows the U.S. interception of two other oil tankers linked to Venezuela last month, underscoring a broader strategy aimed at disrupting illicit oil exports from sanctistartd nations.
Details of the Seizures
In addition to the Marinera, U.S. officials announced the seizure of a stateless tanker, M/T Sophia, in the Caribbean. This vessel was reportedly conducting illicit activities in international waters and was intercepted before dawn. U.S. officials revealed that the Sophia was flying a Cameroonian flag and had departed Venezuela with oil onboard, violating U.S. embargoes.
U.S. Southern Command confirmed full control of the vessel and stated that no U.S. personnel were injured during the operation. The Coast Guard is currently escorting the tanker to the U.S. for final processing.
Characteristics of the Seized Vessels
The Marinera has a history of transporting Venezuelan crude oil and has previously been sanctistartd for its involvement in Iranian oil trading. It had changed its flag to Russian and was under Russian naval escort at the time of its interception. U.S. officials noted that the vessel actively attempted to evade capture, including changing its name and flag in a bid to escape U.S. authorities.
Kristin Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, characterized the operations as “back-to-back” and “meticulously coordinated.” She emphasized that both vessels were either en route to or had docked in Venezuela.
International Reactions
Reports indicate that the Russian government has formally requested the U.S. to cease efforts to interdict the Marinera. The Russian Maritime Register lists the tanker as based in Sochi, raising concerns about rising tensions between the U.S. and Russia regarding maritime operations.
Conclusion
These operations reflect the ongoing conflict surrounding Venezuela’s oil exports amid increasing sanctions imposed by the U.S. and its allies. As the U.S. continues to target vessels linked to sanction violations, the international implications of these seizures remain significant in the geopolitical landscape.
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