US Military Seizes Two Venezuelan-linked Tankers in Strategic Operations

Fri Jan 09 2026 01:53:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In simultaneous operations, the US has seized two oil tankers associated with Venezuelan oil exports, amidst heightened tensions and ongoing sanctions against the Maduro regime.

The United States recently executed 'back-to-back' operations resulting in the seizure of two tankers transporting Venezuelan oil. The operations involved significant coordination with the British Navy and come as the US intensifies efforts to restrict Venezuelan oil exports. Key US officials are emphasizing the legality and global implications of these actions, despite objections from Russia and China.

The United States has executed two strategic operations, resulting in the seizure of two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports. These operations took place in the North Atlantic and Caribbean, where US forces boarded the Russian-flagged Marinera after a nearly two-week pursuit. The British Navy provided aerial and maritime support during this operation.

In addition to the Marinera, a second tanker, the M/T Sophia, was boarded in the Caribbean. US authorities accused it of engaging in illicit activities.

These moves align with the US's objective to significantly cut Venezuelan crude oil exports, especially following recent operations that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a lightning raid on his residence in Caracas.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on social media, The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT - anywhere in the world. In response to the events, Moscow condemned the seizure and demanded humane treatment for Russian nationals onboard the Marinera.

The US has characterized the Marinera as a stateless vessel and indicated that it had been designated for such actions under a federal court warrant. Concurrently, the US Southern Command reported the apprehension of the M/T Sophia, which was engaged in purportedly unlawful operations in the Caribbean.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that Venezuela’s government is cooperating with US authorities regarding the second tanker, suggesting that working alongside the US may help stabilize the Venezuelan economy. He indicated that the US plans to manage Venezuelan oil sales in a downstream capacity.

This action has drawn criticism, particularly from China—historically a major buyer of Venezuelan oil—accusing the US of jeopardizing global energy security.

Britain's Ministry of Defence reported its military's assistance during the operation, emphasizing compliance with international law against sanctions violations.