WASHINGTON — In a major escalation of its global energy blockade, the United States announced on Wednesday the back-to-back seizures of two sanctioned oil tankers—the Marinera and the Sophia—in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean. The operations, coordinated across multiple military commands, represent the latest strike in the Trump administration’s “Operation Southern Spear,” aimed at dismantling the financial lifelines of sanctioned regimes.
Video by DWS News
A High-Seas Pursuit in the North Atlantic
The most dramatic encounter took place in the frigid waters between Scotland and Iceland. U.S. European Command confirmed that U.S. Special Operations forces and the Coast Guard boarded the Marinera (formerly known as the Bella 1) pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court.
The vessel had been the subject of a high-stakes “cat-and-mouse” game for over two weeks. Originally flagged in Panama and later Guyana, the ship was sanctioned in 2024 for allegedly smuggling cargo for networks linked to Hezbollah and Iran. In late December, the crew reportedly refused a Coast Guard boarding attempt in the Caribbean and fled across the Atlantic. In an attempt to evade seizure, the crew painted a Russian flag on the hull and reregistered the vessel under the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping.
The situation grew increasingly tense on Tuesday when reports surfaced that the Russian military had deployed a submarine and other naval assets to escort the tanker. Despite the proximity of Russian forces, U.S. officials stated the boarding was completed without a direct kinetic confrontation.
“The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in full effect—anywhere in the world,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Pre-Dawn Action in the Caribbean
Simultaneously, U.S. Southern Command executed a “pre-dawn action” to intercept the M/T Sophia in international waters within the Caribbean Sea. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem revealed the seizure on social media, describing the vessel as a “stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker” involved in illicit activities.
According to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials, the Sophia had recently departed Venezuela. While the Marinera was reportedly empty at the time of its capture—likely en route to pick up cargo—the Sophia was reportedly carrying Venezuelan crude. The vessel is currently being escorted to a U.S. port for “final disposition” and forfeiture proceedings.
Geopolitical Context: The Fall of Maduro
These maritime operations come just days after a stunning U.S. military raid in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Following the raid, the Trump administration has signaled its intent to maintain a “maximum pressure” campaign to ensure no oil revenue reaches the remnants of the Maduro government or its international allies.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking on Sunday, emphasized the legal framework of these actions. “We go to court. We get a warrant. We seize those boats with oil. And that will continue,” Rubio said.
International Reaction
The seizures have sparked a sharp rebuke from Moscow. The Russian Foreign Ministry called the operation against the Marinera “illegal,” arguing it breached international maritime law and the freedom of navigation. Russian state media outlets have highlighted the incident as an act of “piracy,” pointing out that the vessel was intercepted nearly 4,000 kilometers from the American coast.
Conversely, organizations like United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) have applauded the move. UANI Chairman Jeb Bush and CEO Mark Wallace issued a joint statement urging other “dark fleet” captains to divert to U.S. ports or face similar prosecution and seizure.
As the Marinera and Sophia are towed toward American jurisdiction, the international community is watching closely for further retaliatory actions from Russia or Iran. For now, the U.S. remains firm in its stance that any vessel aiding sanctioned entities is a legitimate target for seizure, regardless of the flag it flies or the waters it transits.
Mainstream News Sources
- AP News: U.S. seizes 2 sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean
- CBS News: U.S. military seizes Venezuela-linked oil tanker in the North Atlantic, officials say
- USNI News: Coast Guard Seizes Russian-flagged Tanker in North Atlantic, Second Tanker in Caribbean
- The War Zone: U.S. Forces Seize Fleeing Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker In North Atlantic
- Reuters via New Arab: US seizes Venezuela-linked tankers including one Russian-flagged
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