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US Seizes Two Tankers as It Tightens Grip on Venezuelan Oil Trade
The United States has seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuelan crude exports in coordinated operations across the North Atlantic and the Caribbean, stepping up efforts to cut off what it calls illicit oil shipments tied to sanctions evasion.
US forces boarded the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera after tracking it for nearly two weeks as it sailed between Iceland and Scotland. The operation was supported by the United Kingdom, with the Royal Navy providing air and maritime assistance.
A second vessel, the M/T Sophia, was intercepted separately in the Caribbean and accused of carrying out unlawful activities linked to sanctioned oil trade.
Washington said the actions formed part of a wider campaign to disrupt Venezuela’s oil exports, coming just days after US special forces detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the enforcement of sanctions against Venezuelan oil remained active worldwide.
Russia criticised the seizure of the Marinera, saying the tanker had been granted temporary permission to sail under its flag and insisting that the use of force against a properly registered vessel was unlawful.
Moscow also called on the US to ensure the safety of Russian crew members and allow them to return home swiftly. Reports that a Russian submarine was dispatched to protect the ship were not confirmed, and US officials said the boarding was carried out without resistance.
Read also: Russia deploys warships to escort oil tanker amid US pursuit
US authorities described the tanker as part of a so-called “shadow fleet”, arguing that it had previously flown a false flag and was therefore stateless under international law. American officials said this status allowed the vessel to be boarded legally.
The UK Ministry of Defence said British support for the operation was in line with international law and aimed at cracking down on sanctions-busting activity.
In the Caribbean, the M/T Sophia was also described as stateless and sanctioned. The US Southern Command said the vessel was operating in international waters and was escorted to the United States following its seizure.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Venezuela’s leadership was co-operating with Washington over the second tanker, adding that any future oil sales would be overseen by the US.
He said proceeds from such sales would be managed in a way intended to benefit the Venezuelan people, as part of what he described as a broader plan for stabilisation and recovery.
The moves have drawn concern in Washington, where lawmakers are questioning the scale and cost of US involvement in Venezuela. While many Republicans have backed the administration’s actions, some members of Congress have raised issues over oversight, with a vote expected next week on a bipartisan war powers resolution that could limit further military action.
China, a major buyer of Venezuelan oil in recent years, condemned the seizures, accusing the United States of undermining global energy security as tensions continue to rise over control of Venezuela’s vast oil resources.
