Archive · 8 Jan 2026
US Seizes Venezuela-Linked Oil Tankers
The United States seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuela in the Atlantic Ocean.
These tankers, the Marinera and the M Sophia, are part of a 'shadow fleet' used to transport oil from Venezuela and Iran, which are under sanctions.
The Marinera, which was flying the Russian flag, was being escorted by a Russian submarine when it was seized.
The Russian government said that no country has the right to use force against ships that are properly registered in other countries.
The US is also thinking about taking control of Venezuela's state-run oil company, PDVSA.
This action could lead to more problems between the US and Russia, which is already facing sanctions from Western countries because of its war in Ukraine.
The US seized two Venezuela-linked oil tankers, the Marinera and the M Sophia, in the Atlantic Ocean.
The Marinera was flying the Russian flag and was reportedly empty at the time of seizure.
The Marinera was being escorted by a Russian submarine, which has raised tensions between the US and Russia.
The Russian government condemned the seizure, stating that no state has the right to use force against properly registered ships.
The US is considering taking control of Venezuela's state-run oil company, PDVSA, as part of its efforts to control the flow of oil from Venezuela.
- Who
- The United States
- What
- Seized two Venezuela-linked oil tankers in the Atlantic Ocean
- When
- Wednesday
- Where
- Atlantic Ocean
- Why
- To block sanctioned vessels and control the flow of oil from Venezuela
- Vessels Seized
- Marinera, M Sophia
- Vessel Flag
- Russia
- Vessel Status
- Reportedly empty
- Russian Response
- Condemned the seizure, stated no state has the right to use force against properly registered ships
- US Motive
- Block sanctioned vessels, control oil flow from Venezuela
- US Consideration
- Taking control of Venezuela's state-run oil company, PDVSA
- Russian Submarine Involvement
- Escorting the Marinera at the time of seizure
