The US military announced today the seizure of a second oil tanker connected to Venezuela. The Panama-flagged supertanker, named M/T Sophia, was apprehended in the Caribbean Sea during an early morning operation on Wednesday, according to the US Southern Command. Allegedly engaged in illicit activities in international waters, the vessel is now being escorted to the United States by the US Coast Guard.
In a separate operation earlier today, the US European Command disclosed the capture of a Russian-flagged vessel, formerly known as Bella 1, in the North Atlantic for its ties to Venezuelan oil. The vessel, now identified as Marinera, was tracked for over two weeks before being intercepted in the waters between Iceland and Scotland. British forces, supported by RAF aircraft and the naval supply ship RFA Tideforce, assisted in the operation.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey praised the UK Armed Forces for their role in aiding the US interception of the vessel, emphasizing the importance of global efforts to combat sanctions violations. He described the Marinera as a falsely flagged vessel with a history of nefarious activities and connections to Iran and Russia.
The Russian transport ministry reported the granting of a temporary permit to the tanker to sail under the Russian Federation flag on Christmas Eve. The ministry emphasized that under the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea, no state has the right to use force against vessels registered in other jurisdictions. Kremlin adviser Andrei Fedorov warned that any aggression against the vessel could lead to a crisis in Russia-US relations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the tanker seizures, stressing the enforcement of US policies against illegally transporting oil. Leavitt highlighted President Biden’s relationships with President Putin and President Xi, asserting that while personal relationships are important, the US will uphold its policies, including the embargo on dark-fleet vessels.