U.S. Intends to Seize Venezuelan Oil Tanker Amidst New Developments

According to CBS News, American military units are strategizing to apprehend an elusive oil tanker associated with Venezuelan crude — a vessel previously penalized by the Treasury Department.

Recently, U.S. naval forces have intensified their pursuit of the Marinera, a tanker previously recognized as the Bella 1. This pursuit aligns with the broader U.S. strategy to apply pressure on Venezuela. The U.S. has consistently increased its actions to counter claims that Nicolás Maduro's government has been exploiting naval assets to smuggle narcotics towards American territory.

Intelligence sources disclosed internal Venezuelan discussions about deploying disguised military crews on these tankers for defense and potentially older Soviet defense systems. These conversations occurred around the time of the U.S. forces' capture of Maduro and his spouse over a weekend operation.

The officials involved in the Marinera operation suggest apprehension over destruction, indicating the potential for a similar strategy used when capturing The Skipper — a significant crude transport leaving Venezuelan ports.

Previously, an attempt was made to board this tanker when the Justice Department received a court order, tying the vessel to Iranian oil movements. However, this attempt was initially unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, Maduro has countered U.S. accusations, framing them as illicit efforts to confiscate Venezuelan resources under a guise of lawful intervention. This event is part of a series, including charges of drug-related terrorism against Maduro and his partner. U.S. interventions have recently resulted in casualties within Caribbean and Pacific regions.

Originally registered under Panama, the Marinera was blacklisted by the Treasury in 2024 for prior involvement with Iranian oil. Its current Russian registry now adds complexity to the delicate diplomatic communications between Washington and Moscow amidst the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

As reported, the tanker is stationed out of Russia's Sochi, close to the Black Sea, with Moscow officially requesting the U.S. refrain from any actions against the ship.

Inquiries to the White House, Defense, and State Departments have gone unanswered. Similarly, there has been no feedback from the Russian Embassy in Washington.

Insiders assert the naval interception could take place imminently, though operational plans remain uncertain, underscoring the cautious nature of military planning. These insights were shared under anonymity to discuss sensitive national security topics.

Parallel to the Marinera, other vessels such as The Skipper were also subjected to U.S. sanctions for purported smuggling activities that fund groups like Hezbollah.

Tankers like these compose a network actively bypassing international sanctions from countries like Venezuela, Russia, and Iran.

In December, President Trump initiated a substantial blockade on Venezuelan oil carriers, enhancing existing sanctions.

"Venezuela is surrounded by an unprecedented military fleet," Trump noted, emphasizing expansion until Venezuela returns appropriated resources, including oil and land.

The New York Times highlighted attempts by at least 16 tankers to escape detection through various concealment methods amidst the blockade.

The capture of the Marinera would mark the U.S.'s third such action in its recent campaign targeting Venezuelan oil assets.