WASHINGTON: The United States seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday, marking a dramatic escalation in President Donald Trump’s push to control regional oil flows and pressure Caracas into aligning with Washington’s interests.
The tanker, identified as the Marinera and formerly known as Bella-1 was intercepted by U.S. Coast Guard personnel and special forces after it previously refused inspection and switched to a Russian flag. The move forms part of a wider maritime operation targeting vessels tied to Venezuela’s sanctions-hit oil sector, a lifeline for the OPEC nation.
Britain assisted the mission, with Defense Secretary John Healey confirming RAF support as part of global cooperation to curb sanctions evasion. The operation unfolded amid rising tensions, as Russian naval vessels and a submarine shadowed the tanker for nearly two weeks raising real fears of confrontation between Moscow and Washington, already strained over the Ukraine conflict.
Russian broadcaster RT aired images of helicopters hovering above the tanker as U.S. forces boarded. Meanwhile, U.S. officials confirmed a separate interception of the Panama-flagged tanker M Sophia, carrying Venezuelan crude the fourth such seizure in recent weeks.
“The only maritime energy transport allowed will be that which complies with U.S. law and national security,” said White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, arguing that cooperation with Washington could unlock “unlimited economic potential” for Venezuela’s oil sector.
China Slams U.S. ‘Bullying’ as Oil Politics Heat Up
Alongside the seizures, the Trump administration is seeking to redirect Venezuelan oil shipments traditionally destined for China Venezuela’s largest customer, while pushing a plan to import up to $2 billion worth of crude into the United States.
China sharply criticized Washington’s strategy. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning condemned what she called America’s “brazen use of force” and accused Washington of bullying Venezuela into surrendering control over its own natural resources.
Trump has openly stated his ambition to oversee Venezuela’s vast oil reserves in partnership with U.S. companies following the dramatic U.S. operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro, who was flown to New York, has pleaded not guilty to narcotics charges in U.S. federal court.
Despite his detention, Venezuela’s ruling Socialist Party remains in power. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez is trying to balance denouncing Maduro’s “kidnapping” while cautiously engaging with Washington amid open pressure from the Trump administration.
READ THE FULL E-MAGAZINE | WorldAffairs: Understand the World Before It Shapes You
Trump has pledged to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of sanctioned Venezuelan crude, saying profits will benefit both countries.
“This oil will be sold at its market price and the money will be controlled by me to ensure it benefits the people of Venezuela and the United States,” Trump declared on social media.
Sources at PDVSA told WNN that negotiations for an export agreement have advanced, although Venezuela has yet to issue an official statement. Meanwhile, global oil prices dipped as markets anticipated additional supply.
Global Unease as U.S. Intervention Sets New Precedent
China, Russia, and Venezuela’s leftist allies have strongly condemned the U.S. actions, calling it one of Washington’s most significant interventions in Latin America since the 1989 Panama invasion. Even U.S. partners are expressing discomfort at the unprecedented seizure of a sitting foreign leader.
Venezuela has not released its full casualty figures from the Caracas raid, but its military confirmed 23 soldiers killed. Cuba, which had advisers supporting Maduro, reported losing 32 personnel.
Maduro, 63, who ruled Venezuela since Hugo Chávez’s death in 2013, appeared shackled in a Manhattan courtroom earlier this week. For now, Trump appears focused on stabilizing Venezuela’s crippled economy through oil revival rather than prioritizing political reforms or democratic transition.
Opposition Waiting, But Avoiding Direct Confrontation
Opposition leader María Corina Machado, currently outside Venezuela after secretly traveling to receive the Nobel Peace Prize says free elections would easily remove Maduro’s allies from power. Yet she has cautiously avoided criticizing Trump, praising his goal of making Venezuela a major U.S. ally and regional energy hub.
The U.S. has warned Venezuelan officials cooperating with Acting President Rodriguez that failure to comply could lead to consequences similar to Maduro’s fate. Rodriguez herself remains under U.S. sanctions, and American officials regard her foreign assets as strategic leverage.
-Marianna Stewart
READ THE FULL E-MAGAZINE | WorldAffairs
