U.S. military forces seized two oil tankers tied to Venezuela during coordinated operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. The actions mark a sharp escalation in Washington’s campaign against sanctioned oil networks linked to Russia’s shadow fleet.
Marinera Tracked and Taken in the North Atlantic
U.S. officials confirmed the first seizure involved the oil tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella-1. American forces intercepted the vessel in the North Atlantic after weeks of monitoring. Authorities acted under a U.S. federal court warrant, citing violations of U.S. sanctions. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Munro tracked the ship throughout the operation, according to U.S. European Command.
M/T Sophia Stopped in the Caribbean
Hours later, U.S. Southern Command intercepted the M/T Sophia in the Caribbean Sea. Officials identified the tanker as part of a sanctioned “dark fleet.” The vessel had left Venezuela carrying oil and operated in international waters while engaging in illicit activity, officials said.
Cameroon Flag Sparks Legal Dispute
U.S. authorities classified the Sophia as stateless. However, two officials said the tanker flew the flag of Cameroon at the time of interception. Shadow fleet vessels often use such tactics to mask ownership and avoid detection. The U.S. now controls the ship fully. The Coast Guard is escorting it to the United States for final legal disposition. The operation caused no injuries.
Officials Call the Operation ‘Meticulously Coordinated’
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the seizures as “back-to-back and meticulously coordinated.” She said both vessels had recently docked in Venezuela or were heading there. Video released by the department showed armed boarding teams securing one of the tankers.
Russian Flag and Naval Escort Raise Stakes
The Marinera has long transported Venezuelan crude. U.S. authorities previously sanctioned the tanker for involvement in Iranian oil trading. Once registered in Panama, the vessel now sails under the Russian flag, according to shipping records. U.S. officials confirmed that Russian naval vessels, including a submarine, moved to escort the ship as U.S. forces closed in.
Evasion Attempts Fail
Officials said the tanker tried to avoid capture. It changed its flag and repainted its name while under pursuit. U.S. authorities called the move a desperate and unsuccessful attempt to evade enforcement.
Shadow Fleet Faces Growing Pressure
Both vessels belong to a wider shadow fleet that moves oil from sanctioned states such as Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. These ships rely on deceptive practices to bypass international restrictions. U.S. officials say the seizures aim to disrupt illegal oil flows that help fund sanctioned regimes.
International Backlash Follows
Venezuelan officials rejected the allegations. They accused the United States of seizing national resources under the cover of law enforcement. Russia also protested the interdictions, fueling tensions over maritime operations in international waters.
A Broader Enforcement Strategy Emerges
The latest seizures follow similar operations last month. Together, they signal a more aggressive U.S. strategy to dismantle covert oil shipping networks and tighten global sanctions enforcement.
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