The US has ramped up its crackdown on shipments of oil by Venezuela, seizing two sanctioned tankers this week a Russian-flagged one, the Marinery in the middle of the Atlantic and another the M/T Sofia in the Caribbean. The military video released by US forces shows the scale and coordination of such an operation highlighting the geopolitical stakes over the energy resources of Venezuela.
🇺🇸🇻🇪 WATCH: US Coast Guard boarding “ghost fleet” tanker Sophia near the Caribbean earlier today to disrupt sanctioned oil trafficking linked to Venezuela, Iran and China. The vessel was falsely flying a Cameroonian flag. pic.twitter.com/dTRMtYAn1O
— Conflict Dispatch (@ConflictDISP) January 7, 2026
Second Venezuela-Linked Tanker Captured by Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard boarded the M/T Sophia, a supertanker registered in Panama, in the waters of Latin America before dawn. M/TSophia is listed as part of the dark fleet, which reportedly departed from Venezuela in early January with a cargo of crude oil and its tracking systems turned off. The Southern Command has confirmed that the tanker is being escorted to the U.S. for legal proceedings in respect of the sanctions.
What is ‘Sophia’ in Caribbean Sea
The Sophia is part of the shadow fleet that has been used to evade international sanctions. The ships sail without giving out their position in light of being difficult to track along their routes. The ship has been considered by US authorities as part of those being used to evade international restrictions imposed on the export of Venezuelan oil since mid-December.
U.S.-Russia Tensions Rising After Tanker Seizures?
The seizure of the Marinera as well as the Russian warships proximity which include a submarine, have heightened Russian reaction. Russia’s government considers this piracy, referring to international maritime law, as violation of flag state rights by the U.S. Although there was no direct clash, these incidents may add to tension between Russia and the U.S.
Trumps Eyes on Venezuelan Oil in U.S.
The recent operations are accompanied by a move by former President Donald Trump to import a maximum of $2 billion of Venezuelan oil to the United States. Trump has called on the Venezuelan government to open its energy sector to enable it to seize Venezuelan oil-laden tankers that are traveling to countries such as China.
Why U.S. is Targeting ‘Dark Fleet’ Oil Tankers
The U.S. is actively pursuing “dark fleet” tankers believed to be used for the clandestine transfer of Venezuelan oil despite sanctions. The dark fleet tankers usually operate in the absence of proper documentation, deliberately obstruct global tracking systems and engage in flag hijacking. The U.S. says the recent seizure of these tankers is a move aimed at disrupting illegal oil trade routes.
What is Bella 1 or Marinera?
The first seized tanker, formerly Bella-1, managed to skirt U.S. sanctions by repainting its hull with a Russian flag, rebranding itself as Marinera and reregistering under Russia. Although it was empty at the time of seizure, it has become emblematic of the shadow fleet and the continued fight over enforcing sanctions against vessels attempting to move oil illicitly.
Latest Update on Venezuelan Oil
- The U.S. has intercepted multiple Venezuela‑linked tankers as part of an expanded sanctions crackdown on oil shipments.
- Former President Trump has signaled plans to import Venezuelan crude into the U.S., potentially worth billions.
- Traders still use dark tankers to move Venezuelan oil secretly, exposing them to possible U.S. enforcement.
- Oil output remains below potential due to sanctions, infrastructure issues and export barriers.
