Information
U.S. military forces announced they have seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuela and sanctions-evasion networks on the same day. In the Caribbean, U.S. Southern Command said personnel intercepted the stateless, sanctioned motor tanker M/T Sophia without incident while it was operating in international waters; the Coast Guard is now escorting the vessel to the United States. Earlier, U.S. European Command confirmed that forces captured a second vessel, the Russian-flagged Marinera (formerly Bella-1), in the North Atlantic after a prolonged pursuit. U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, emphasized that these actions are part of an ongoing blockade and enforcement of sanctions targeting illicit Venezuelan oil shipments worldwide.
The seizures have provoked sharp international reactions, particularly from Moscow. The Russian Transport Ministry condemned the Atlantic interception of the Marinera as a breach of the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, arguing that freedom of navigation prohibits force against vessels lawfully registered under another state’s flag, and demanded the humane treatment and return of the crew. Russia labeled the action unlawful, with some lawmakers even calling it “piracy,” escalating tensions amid broader geopolitical strain. U.S. officials maintain the operations are lawful measures to disrupt sanctioned oil flows and illicit activities tied to Venezuela, Russia and Iran.
Source: AFP, Reuters, Southcom
So What
While the seizure is almost certain to draw criticism from Russia and its allies, it is unlikely to alter U.S. policy, as the Trump administration has shown little concern for such reactions. Although online speculation has suggested the tanker may have been transporting Iranian weapons to support Venezuela, there is currently no evidence or credible indication to support this claim, and the vessel is primarily designed for carrying oil.
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