US Disrupts Venezuelan Oil Shipments with Double Tanker Seizure

Fri Jan 09 2026 15:08:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a bold move, the US has seized two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil in a series of operations aimed at halting illicit oil exports. Tensions rise as Russia demands the release of its crew.

The US Coast Guard has successfully boarded and seized two tankers accused of transporting Venezuelan oil, in operations that were supported by the UK Royal Navy. The first tanker, the Marinera, was captured in the North Atlantic, while the second, the M/T Sophia, was apprehended in the Caribbean. This operation aligns with US efforts to restrict Venezuelan oil exports and follows the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Alongside, Russia has condemned the actions, seeking the proper treatment and return of its crew members.

The United States has stepped up its efforts to clamp down on Venezuelan oil exports by seizing two tankers linked to the country. In back-to-back operations in the North Atlantic and Caribbean, US forces boarded the Russian-flagged Marinera after a two-week pursuit, with the help of British naval forces. The second vessel, M/T Sophia, was intercepted for conducting illicit activities.

The seizures aim to halt Venezuelan crude oil exports, especially after the recent capture of President Nicolás Maduro. According to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the blockade against Venezuela's sanctioned oil will remain in force globally.

While the actions were praised by some U.S. officials, Russia has vocally opposed the seizure of the Marinera, demanding that the U.S. respects its jurisdiction and rights over the crew. The humanitarian condition of the crew, combined with the geopolitical implications of these actions, adds tension to an already strained situation.

The US now controls the fate of Venezuelan oil, with promises to ensure proceeds benefit the Venezuelan people, though questions remain about ongoing military involvement and the broader impact on global energy security.