US Navy Seizes Two Venezuelan-linked Tankers in Major Operation

Fri Jan 09 2026 02:08:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a strategic move to curb Venezuelan oil exports, the US has successfully seized two tankers involved in illicit oil trading. The operation has ignited significant international responses and heightened geopolitical tensions.

The United States has executed a two-part operation, seizing two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports. The actions are part of broader efforts to restrict Venezuelan oil sales, coinciding with the recent capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The military operations involved tracking the Russian-flagged Marinera and the M/T Sophia in the Caribbean, leading to accusations of sanctions violations. Both vessels were apprehended amid rising tensions with Russia and criticisms from China, exacerbating the geopolitical landscape surrounding Venezuela's oil reserves.

The United States says it has seized two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports in back-to-back operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean.

US forces boarded the Russian-flagged Marinera after a pursuit lasting almost two weeks and as it travelled through the waters between Iceland and Scotland. The British Navy provided logistical support by air and sea.

A second tanker - the M/T Sophia - was accused by the US of conducting illicit activities and was boarded in the Caribbean.

This move comes as the US seeks to restrict most exports of Venezuelan crude oil, just days after its special forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a lightning raid on his residence in Caracas.

In a post on X, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated: The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT - anywhere in the world. Moscow has condemned the seizure of the tanker sailing under its flag and demanded that the US treat Russians on board properly, allowing them to return to Russia quickly.

The Russian transport ministry indicated that it had given the vessel temporary permission to use the Russian flag, asserting that no state has the right to use force against vessels registered under another's jurisdiction.

Reports suggested Russia dispatched a submarine to safeguard the vessel, but US forces boarded the tanker without facing resistance.

The White House described the ship as a Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel deemed stateless after flying a false flag and had a judicial order against it.<\/div>

Venezuela's leadership is cooperating with the US on the second tanker seized in the Caribbean, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He indicated their understanding that cooperation with the US is essential for generating revenue and avoiding economic collapse.

Previously, President Trump stated that Venezuela would be turning over up to 50 million barrels of oil valued at approximately $2.8 billion to the US. Rubio noted that the US would control Venezuelan oil sales, ensuring the proceeds benefit the Venezuelan people, while indicating a planned approach for Venezuela's future.

China, the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil in recent years, condemned the US actions and accused it of jeopardizing global energy security.

The seizure of the two tankers was announced by the US military via social media. The US European Command stated the M/V Bella 1 (the former name of the Marinera) was boarded for violating US sanctions.

The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro, a Coast Guard cutter.

Britain's Ministry of Defence corroborated that RAF surveillance aircraft and a naval support vessel participated in this operation upon a US request for assistance, affirming compliance with international law.

The authorities also alleged that the vessel had been shipping Iranian oil.

Defence Secretary John Healey recognized the operation as part of worldwide efforts to root out sanctions-busting and noted its alignment with international law.

Images from Russian state media showed a helicopter approaching the M/V Bella 1. The Russian Maritime Register indicates that the tanker was previously registered in Sochi and was noted to have changed its name to Marinera while sailing under the Russian flag.

Furthermore, the transport ministry reported that US forces boarded the Marinera around 15:00 Moscow time, after which communications with the vessel were interrupted.

US officials indicated that Marinera was falsely flying the flag of Guyana last month, rendering it stateless and thus subject to boarding under international law. Experts clarified that a vessel cannot change its flag during a voyage unless there is a genuine transfer of ownership.

Meanwhile, the US Southern Command confirmed the apprehension of the M/T Sophia, citing its illicit activities in international waters and stating that it would be escorted to the US for final disposition.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem commented on the meticulous coordination involved in the operations targeting these two guardian fleet tankers.