The United States military has escalated its maritime enforcement operations with the capture of a third sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea. US Southern Command (USSouthCom) officially confirmed the seizure of the M/T Sophia on January 7th, describing the vessel as a “stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker.
The operation was conducted collaboratively between the Department of War and Department of Homeland Security forces, resulting in the apprehension without incident. According to military authorities, the Sophia was intercepted in international waters while engaging in prohibited activities. The US Coast Guard is currently escorting the captured tanker to American territory for final disposition.
This strategic action forms part of Operation Southern Spear, which the Department of War characterizes as an unwavering mission to eliminate illicit activities throughout the Western Hemisphere. The operation reinforces the US commitment to homeland security and regional stability across the Americas.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized the continuing enforcement of blockade measures against dark fleet vessels attempting to illegally transport Venezuelan oil. “Only legitimate and lawful energy commerce – as determined by the US – will be permitted,” Hegseth stated, highlighting that prohibited shipments effectively steal resources from the Venezuelan people to finance illegal operations.
This development marks the third tanker interception within a month, following previous seizures of the M/T Skipper and M/T Centuries suspected of carrying oil subject to US sanctions. The intensified maritime operations coincide with extraordinary political developments in Venezuela, where deposed President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores recently pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges in a New York court. Their extraction from the Fuerte Tiuna military complex in Caracas by Delta Force operators on January 3rd preceded the installation of former vice president Delcy Rodriguez as interim president.