US seizes two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil export

The United States has seized two tankers connected to Venezuelan oil exports in back-to-back operations in the North Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, officials said.

US forces boarded the Russian-flagged Marinera after a nearly two-week pursuit between Iceland and Scotland, with logistical support from the UK Royal Navy. A second tanker, M/T Sophia, accused of conducting illicit activities, was boarded in the Caribbean.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth tweeted, “The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT—anywhere in the world.”

Moscow condemned the seizure of the Russian-flagged vessel, demanding proper treatment of Russian crew members and their swift return to Russia. Reports indicated Russia deployed a submarine to protect the tanker, though US forces reportedly boarded without resistance.

The White House described the Marinera as a “Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel deemed stateless after flying a false flag and subject to a judicial order.”