U.S. forces seized two sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela on Wednesday in a pair of high-stakes operations across the Atlantic and the Caribbean. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the pre-dawn missions as "meticulously coordinated" efforts to enforce U.S. sanctions.
The tankers—the Russian-flagged Marinera and the Panama-flagged M/T Sophia—are part of a "ghost fleet" used to move oil from sanctioned nations like Venezuela, Russia, and Iran.
The Marinera (formerly known as the Bella 1) was seized in the North Atlantic between Scotland and Iceland after a weeks-long pursuit by the U.S.4 Coast Guard. The vessel had previously evaded boarding in December and attempted to hide its identity by switching to a Russian flag. While currently empty, U.S. officials state the ship is a key asset in illicit oil transport.
The M/T Sophia was intercepted near the northeast coast of South America. Unlike the Marinera, the Sophia was fully loaded with Venezuelan crude oil, according to records from the state oil company PDVSA.
The seizures are part of "Operation Absolute Resolve," a campaign by the Trump administration to blockade Venezuelan oil flows and pressure the country's government. This follows the dramatic military raid on January 3, 2026, in which U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in Caracas.
"The only maritime energy transport allowed will be that consistent with American law," said Stephen Miller, deputy White House chief of staff.
The operations have heightened global tensions: Russia: Nearby Russian vessels and a submarine shadowed the Marinera pursuit, prompting fears of a direct confrontation. China: As Venezuela’s top oil buyer, Beijing condemned the move. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning called the blockade "bullying." Britain: The Royal Air Force and British naval vessels assisted in the Atlantic operation, supporting what Defense Secretary John Healey called a crackdown on "sanctions busting."
President Trump announced that the U.S. would refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of crude currently stuck in Venezuela due to the blockade. He stated that the proceeds—sold at market price—would be controlled by the U.S. Presidency to "benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States."
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez remains in power in Caracas, facing a difficult choice between condemning Maduro's "kidnapping" and complying with U.S. demands to avoid further military intervention.
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