Key Facts
• On January 7, US Defense officials announced seizure of two Venezuela-related tankers.
• “Vela 1” was tracked since December for evading US sanctions near Venezuela.
• Homeland Security Secretary Nome confirmed capture of tanker “M Sophia” in the Caribbean.
• Both ships last docked at or were en route to Venezuela.
• “Vela 1” sanctioned in 2024 for smuggling cargo linked to Hezbollah-related firms.
• In December, US Coast Guard attempted inspection; boarding was refused.
• “Vela 1” renamed “Marinera” and flew Russian flag; crew painted Russian flag on hull.
• Open-source tracking showed “Vela 1” moving north between Scotland and Iceland.
• US and UK military aircraft monitored the tanker in the North Atlantic on January 6-7.
Summary
The US military seized two tankers connected to Venezuela on January 7, following a tracking operation that began in December. The tanker “Vela 1,” involved in smuggling for Hezbollah-linked companies and sanctioned by the US in 2024, was pursued for attempting to bypass US sanctions. Despite a US Coast Guard boarding refusal in December, the vessel was intercepted after it changed its name to “Marinera” and flew a Russian flag. The second tanker, “M Sophia,” was also captured in the Caribbean. Both ships had recently docked at or were heading to Venezuela. US and UK military aircraft monitored “Vela 1” in the North Atlantic, confirming ongoing surveillance. This operation underscores US efforts to enforce sanctions and control illicit maritime activities related to Venezuela.
