US Action on Venezuelan Oil Exports Escalates

Fri Jan 09 2026 14:16:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant escalation of tensions, the United States has recently seized two tankers linked to the controversial Venezuelan oil sector, marking a determined effort to curtail its crude oil exports amidst geopolitical turbulence.

The United States has executed operations to seize two oil tankers associated with Venezuelan crude, including the Russian-flagged Marinera and another vessel accused of illicit activities. This move underscores the US strategy to disrupt Venezuela's oil exports in a bid to exert control over the country's resources, with implications on international relations and the global oil market. The operations were supported by the UK and involved a coordinated effort over two weeks, raising concerns from Moscow regarding the treatment of its citizens aboard the seized vessels.

The United States says it has seized two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports in back-to-back operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean.

US forces boarded the Russian-flagged Marinera after a pursuit lasting almost two weeks as it travelled through the waters between Iceland and Scotland. The UK Royal Navy provided logistical support by air and sea.

A second tanker - the M/T Sophia - was accused by the US of conducting illicit activities and boarded in the Caribbean.

The moves come as the US seeks to choke off most exports of Venezuelan crude oil, coinciding with a recent seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US special forces in Caracas.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized on social media: The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT - anywhere in the world. Moscow has denounced the seizure of the Marinera and demanded proper treatment for its crew.

The Russian transport ministry stated that the vessel had temporary permission to sail under the Russian flag, asserting that no state can use force against vessels properly registered under another jurisdiction.

Reports indicated that Russia dispatched a submarine to safeguard the vessel, although US forces boarded it without encountering resistance.

The White House classified the Marinera as a Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel deemed stateless after flying a false flag and had a judicial order against it.

The seizure operations announced by the US military reflect a broader attempt to break Venezuela's grip on its oil exports. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that Venezuela's leadership is cooperating in this effort, recognizing the need to collaborate with the US to avoid economic collapse.

He indicated that the US would manage the sale of Venezuela's oil, ensuring that the proceeds benefit the Venezuelan people while maintaining stability and order in the region.

Moreover, the operations have reignited discussions in Congress regarding military engagement, with lawmakers seeking clarification on the extent of US involvement and its financial implications. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed the need for answers concerning troop deployment and costs linked to the US military's actions in Venezuela.

The geopolitical implications of these seizures are enormous, with China condemning the moves and accusing the US of threatening global energy security.

The operations illuminate the high stakes involved in Venezuela's oil industry and the contentious nature of international relations surrounding resource management.