US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on 7/1 that the US Coast Guard intercepted two oil tankers, the Sophia and Marinera. The vessels were accused of having previously docked in Venezuela or being en route to the country.

The video released by Secretary Noem showed US Coast Guard officers from the USCGC Munro approaching and boarding the Marinera by helicopter. They then moved to the bridge to control the crew and enforce the vessel's seizure.

The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which oversees US military operations in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, announced the seizure of the Sophia on the same day. It also posted a video of Coast Guard officers boarding the vessel by helicopter and taking control.

SOUTHCOM stated that the operation was a joint effort by the US Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security, with no incidents occurring during its execution.

The Marinera, previously named Bella-1 and flying the flag of Guyana, was placed on the US Treasury's sanctions list in 2024. It was accused of transporting illegal goods for Hezbollah, an Iran-backed armed group in Lebanon.

The US Coast Guard reportedly attempted to seize this vessel on 20/12/2025, but the crew refused to comply, increasing speed and diverting towards the Atlantic Ocean. During the US Coast Guard's pursuit, the crew painted a Russian flag on the hull and declared the vessel was operating under Russian protection.

Soon after, the vessel appeared in Russia's official ship registration database under its new name, Marinera.

Meanwhile, the Sophia is accused of being part of a "shadow fleet" used by Russia, Iran, and Venezuela to circumvent Western sanctions. The US Coast Guard believes this vessel is not registered with any nation and is escorting it back for processing.

The Marinera in a photo taken from the US Coast Guard cutter USCGC Munro on 7/1. Photo: Reuters

Russian officials condemned the US seizure of the Marinera, arguing that the operation violated the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which guarantees freedom of navigation in international waters. The Russian Ministry of Transport stated, "No country has the right to use force against vessels legally registered under the jurisdiction of another country."

When asked if the Marinera seizure risked greater tension with Russia, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the US does not recognize it as a Russian vessel. She added that the ship "is part of Venezuela's shadow fleet, considered stateless."

US President Donald Trump ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela in December 2025. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed on 7/1 that "the blockade on illegal and sanctioned Venezuelan oil remains in effect worldwide."

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)