WASHINGTON, Jan 7 — GeokHub The United States has seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuela in the Atlantic Ocean, including one sailing under a Russian flag, escalating Washington’s aggressive effort to control oil flows in the Western Hemisphere and pressure Caracas into a new energy alignment with the U.S.
The operation follows a dramatic intensification of U.S. actions against Venezuela’s oil sector after President Donald Trump ordered a military raid in Caracas over the weekend that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. U.S. officials say the seizures are part of a broader campaign to enforce sanctions and dismantle what they describe as a “shadow fleet” transporting sanctioned oil.
Weeks-Long Chase Ends at Sea
According to U.S. officials, a weeks-long pursuit ended Wednesday when the U.S. Coast Guard and military special forces intercepted the Marinera crude oil tanker, previously known as Bella-1, after it refused boarding attempts last month and later switched to a Russian flag.
The operation was backed by British military support, including Royal Air Force assets, as part of international efforts to curb sanctions evasion. The presence of Russian naval vessels, including a submarine, in nearby waters raised concerns over potential escalation between Washington and Moscow.
U.S. authorities said the Marinera was not carrying oil at the time of seizure. However, a second tanker, the M Sophia, flying Panama’s flag and fully loaded with Venezuelan crude, was intercepted near the northeastern coast of South America earlier the same day. The seizures mark the fourth such action by the U.S. in recent weeks.
Washington Targets Sanctioned Oil Networks
U.S. officials say both vessels are part of a network used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. The administration has warned that only oil shipments consistent with U.S. law and national security interests will be permitted.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Marinera’s crew attempted to evade capture and ignored lawful boarding orders, actions that could result in criminal charges.
Vice President JD Vance described the seized tanker as falsely posing under a Russian identity to avoid sanctions enforcement.
China Pushes Back, Oil Prices React
The U.S. actions have drawn sharp criticism from China, Venezuela’s largest oil buyer. Beijing accused Washington of using force and economic coercion to redirect Venezuelan oil away from Chinese markets.
“This is a typical act of bullying,” a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, condemning U.S. efforts to dictate how Venezuela disposes of its energy resources.
Global oil prices fell following the announcement, as markets reacted to expectations that the U.S. plans to release large volumes of Venezuelan crude onto the international market.
U.S. Plans to Sell Venezuelan Crude
President Trump said the U.S. intends to refine and sell between 30 million and 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil currently immobilized under sanctions. The White House confirmed it is selectively rolling back restrictions imposed in 2019 to enable the transactions.
Senior U.S. officials said the oil would be sold at full market prices, rather than at discounted rates Venezuela had previously accepted. Venezuela’s state oil company, PDVSA, confirmed negotiations are underway, describing them as legal, transparent, and commercially driven.
Trump said proceeds from the oil sales would be used by Venezuela to purchase American goods, including agricultural products and medical supplies.
Political Fallout and Global Unease
Maduro has pleaded not guilty to drug-related charges in a U.S. federal court, while Venezuela’s ruling party remains in control under Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who faces U.S. sanctions herself.
The unprecedented seizure of a sitting foreign head of state has unsettled Washington’s allies, with critics warning it sets a dangerous international precedent. U.S. lawmakers have demanded greater transparency, while the administration maintains that control over Venezuela’s oil is key to reshaping regional energy security.
GeokHub Analysis
The tanker seizures and oil redirection plan mark one of the most forceful U.S. interventions in global energy markets in decades. As Washington moves to weaponize control of oil flows, the fallout is reverberating across China, Russia, OPEC, and financial markets — reshaping geopolitics far beyond Venezuela.
