WASHINGTON — U.S. military and Coast Guard forces seized two sanctioned oil tankers in coordinated predawn operations Wednesday, escalating enforcement of sanctions against Venezuelan oil exports following the recent capture of former President Nicolás Maduro.
The primary target was the tanker formerly known as Bella 1 (renamed Marinera and flying a Russian flag), intercepted in the North Atlantic between Scotland and Iceland after a weeks-long pursuit. U.S. European Command announced the seizure pursuant to a federal warrant for violations of U.S. sanctions, with the vessel tracked by the USCGC Munro.
The Marinera had evaded a U.S. Coast Guard boarding attempt in the Caribbean last month while en route to Venezuela, subsequently changing its name, registry, and even painting a Russian flag on its hull. Despite being shadowed by a Russian submarine, U.S. forces successfully boarded and secured the ship without reported incident.
In a separate action, U.S. Southern Command apprehended the M/T Sophia, described as a stateless “dark fleet” tanker conducting illicit activities in international waters near the Caribbean. The vessel is being escorted to the U.S. for disposition.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem hailed the operations on social media: “In two predawn actions today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously coordinated boardings of two ‘ghost fleet’ tanker ships—one in the North Atlantic and one near the Caribbean. Both were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it.”
The seizures are part of President Trump’s “total and complete blockade” on sanctioned Venezuelan oil vessels, aimed at disrupting funding for what the administration calls “narco-terrorism.” Russia expressed concern over the Marinera’s seizure, calling prior U.S. attention “disproportionate,” while affirming the vessel’s compliance with maritime law.
These actions follow recent U.S. strikes on Venezuelan-related vessels and the high-profile raid capturing Maduro. Officials emphasize the blockade remains in full effect worldwide.
The vessels are part of shadowy “dark fleets” often used to evade sanctions on oil from Venezuela, Iran, and Russia. No injuries were reported in the operations.
This is a developing story, with potential diplomatic ramifications involving Russia amid ongoing U.S. enforcement efforts.
