United States Confiscates Two Super Tankers Linked to Venezuelan Oil

Seizures in the North Atlantic and Caribbean

The United States has announced the confiscation of two super tankers linked to oil exports from Venezuela, following operations conducted in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean. American forces boarded the vessel Marinera, flying the Russian flag, after a nearly two-week pursuit as it navigated the waters between Iceland and Scotland. The British Navy provided logistical support via air and sea.

A second vessel, M/T Sophia, was accused by the U.S. of "illicit activities" and was intercepted in the Caribbean. These actions come as the U.S. seeks to block most Venezuelan oil exports, just days after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a swift raid on his residence in Caracas.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized on social media that the "blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT." Moscow condemned the seizure of the vessel and demanded that the U.S. treat the Russians on board appropriately and allow them to return to Russia quickly.

The Russian Ministry of Transport stated that it had granted the ship "temporary permission" to sail under the Russian flag, adding that no state has the right to use force against vessels legally registered in other jurisdictions. Reports indicated that Russia had dispatched a submarine to protect the ship; however, American forces were able to board the vessel without encountering resistance.

The White House described the ship as a "shadow Venezuelan fleet ship, considered stateless after flying a false flag and having a court ruling against it." In a statement, U.S. officials noted that M/V Bella 1, the former name of the Marinera, was confiscated "for violations of U.S. sanctions." It was also stated that the vessel carried Iranian oil, accused of breaching sanctions imposed by the United States.

In light of these events, Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked that Venezuelan leaders are collaborating with the United States regarding the second confiscated tanker. "I understand that the only way they can move oil and generate revenue without facing economic collapse is to cooperate with the United States," Rubio told reporters.