U.S. Seizes Marinera Tanker Amid Aggressive Oil Push
The U.S. has seized a Russian-flagged, Venezuela-linked tanker as part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to control oil flows in the Americas. The move follows Washington’s campaign to pressure Caracas’ socialist government into alignment with U.S. interests.
The Marinera tanker, formerly known as Bella-1, was intercepted after refusing to allow a U.S. boarding last month. It switched to a Russian flag amid the standoff. U.S. Coast Guard and military officials carried out the seizure after a two-week pursuit in the Atlantic. Russian vessels and a submarine were reportedly nearby during the operation, raising tensions with Moscow.
Russian state media broadcast images of a helicopter hovering near the Marinera. Reports indicated that U.S. forces attempted to board the empty tanker, which is under U.S. sanctions. The Coast Guard also intercepted another fully-loaded Venezuela-linked tanker, the Sophia, off the northeast coast of South America. This marks the fourth such interception in recent weeks.
Trump Pushes Deal to Divert Venezuelan Oil to U.S.
Trump has announced a plan to import up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude. The deal could divert cargoes initially bound for China, Venezuela’s main oil buyer. Analysts estimate the crude could be worth $2 billion.
China condemned the move as “brazen bullying.” Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “The United States’ use of force against Venezuela and its demand for ‘America First’ when Venezuela disposes of its own oil resources are typical acts of bullying.”
Trump has framed Venezuela’s oil reserves as a key target for U.S. companies. Following Maduro’s capture, the administration intends to refine and sell Venezuelan crude while controlling the proceeds. Trump posted on social media, “This oil will be sold at its market price, and that money will be controlled by me… to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.”
Maduro Captured, Opposition and Allies Under Pressure
Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez is navigating a difficult path. She must cooperate with the U.S. or risk consequences similar to Maduro’s. Trump is prioritizing the revival of Venezuela’s oil sector over political reforms or prisoner releases.
Details of Maduro’s capture remain emerging. U.S. Special Forces reportedly seized him from a safe room in Caracas by helicopter. While no U.S. personnel were harmed, Venezuelan forces suffered casualties. Cuba reported 32 allied deaths, and Venezuela listed 23 of its military members as killed. Maduro, 63, pleaded not guilty to narcotics charges in a Manhattan court while shackled in prison attire.
Venezuelan opposition leaders, including Maria Corina Machado, have urged careful cooperation with Trump. She supports the U.S. goal of turning Venezuela into a key energy hub while awaiting free elections.
U.S. scrutiny also focuses on top Maduro allies, including hardline Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Delcy Rodriguez, whose foreign assets are under sanctions. Officials say their compliance is critical for implementing Trump’s oil strategy.
Global Reactions and Oil Market Impact
The U.S. operations have drawn criticism from China, Russia, and Venezuela’s leftist allies. The Marinera and Sophia seizures, along with Maduro’s capture, represent Washington’s most forceful intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama.
World oil markets reacted to the potential increase in Venezuelan supply, causing crude prices to fall. Analysts warn that further U.S. control over Venezuelan oil could reshape the global energy market while heightening geopolitical tensions.
