U.S. Officials Plan Interception of Russian-Flagged Tanker Amid Venezuelan Blockade

The BareStory

United States forces have developed plans to intercept the oil tanker *Marinera*, a vessel currently sailing under a Russian flag and escorted by Russian naval assets, according to two U.S. officials. The disclosure of the potential operation follows the recent capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by U.S. special forces.

The *Marinera*, formerly known as the *Bella 1*, is part of a growing number of ships in a "shadow fleet" that have switched registration to Russia. Data cited by Lloyd’s List indicates that 17 sanctioned vessels reflagged to Russia in December alone, a trend experts describe as an effort to evade U.S. boarding and seizure. U.S. officials confirmed that the *Marinera* is being escorted by a Russian submarine and other vessels, and the Russian government has officially requested that the U.S. cease attempts to interdict the ship.

This standoff occurs amidst a "total and complete blockade" on Venezuelan oil tankers imposed by President Donald Trump in December. Since the U.S. pressure campaign began, American forces have seized two other tankers, *The Skipper* and the *Centuries*. U.S. strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific have reportedly resulted in more than 100 deaths. U.S. intelligence officials allege that prior to his capture, Maduro’s government discussed arming tankers with military personnel and air defense systems.

The U.S. has charged Maduro with narco-terrorism, accusing his administration of using vessels to transport drugs—claims the former president denied, accusing the U.S. of plundering resources. While tensions rise at sea, President Trump has stated that major U.S. oil companies are preparing to invest in Venezuela following the leadership change. It remains unclear if the operation to seize the *Marinera* will proceed given the presence of Russian naval protection.