US Seizes Two Oil Tankers Linked to Venezuela Amid Ongoing Sanctions
US Operations Target Venezuelan Oil Tankers
On Wednesday, the United States conducted operations to seize two oil tankers allegedly associated with Venezuelan crude exports. These actions took place in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, following an extensive pursuit aimed at enforcing an oil blockade against Venezuela.
YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE 🔥
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 7, 2026
In predawn operations this morning, the U.S. Coast Guard boarded two "Ghost Fleet" Tankers in the North Atlantic Sea and in international waters near the Caribbean. Both vessels were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it. pic.twitter.com/4ftu01lqIg
The first tanker, now known as The Marinera and flying a Russian flag, was intercepted by US forces in the North Atlantic while navigating between Iceland and Scotland. This vessel had previously evaded a US Coast Guard boarding attempt near Venezuela.
According to US military officials, the seizure was executed under a federal court warrant due to violations of US sanctions.
While Russian military vessels were reported nearby, US officials indicated that no confrontations occurred during the operation.
The @TheJusticeDept & @DHSgov, in coordination with the @DeptofWar today announced the seizure of
— U.S. European Command (@US_EUCOM) January 7, 2026
the M/V Bella 1 for violations of U.S. sanctions. The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro. pic.twitter.com/bm5KcCK30X
Following the boarding, Russia's transport ministry reported losing contact with the tanker. Moscow claimed the vessel had received temporary permission to sail under the Russian flag and asserted that no nation has the authority to use force against vessels registered under other jurisdictions.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt referred to the tanker as a “Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel.”
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil remains firmly in place globally.
The UK Navy provided logistical support for the US operation, both by air and sea.
In a separate action on the same day, the US Department of War, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, intercepted another tanker, the Panama-flagged M/T Sophia, in the Caribbean.
The US military's southern command described this vessel as a “stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker” involved in illicit activities.
“We will defend our homeland and restore security and strength across the Americas,” the statement concluded.
In a pre-dawn action this morning, the Department of War, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident.
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) January 7, 2026
The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and… pic.twitter.com/JQm9gHprPk
These seizures follow a recent operation where the US military reportedly abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
The US has accused Maduro of engaging in narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, allegations that the Venezuelan government vehemently denies. Caracas has labeled the US actions as “military aggression” and is demanding the immediate release of Maduro and Flores.
Despite having the largest proven oil reserves globally, Venezuela is not among the top ten oil producers.
Since 2019, the country's oil production and exports have faced severe restrictions due to stringent sanctions imposed by the US, which intensified last month with a blockade on sanctioned oil vessels heading to and from Venezuela.
On Wednesday, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that the US would indefinitely control the sales of sanctioned Venezuelan oil, following Trump's declaration that the US would acquire up to 50 million barrels from Venezuela.