In a significant maritime operation, the United States has successfully intercepted and apprehended a stateless, sanctioned oil tanker in international waters. The vessel, identified as the M/T Sophia, was captured without incident in a coordinated action involving the Department of War and the Department of Homeland Security.
Pre-Dawn Capture of the 'Dark Fleet' Tanker
The US Southern Command officially confirmed the operation in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday. Accompanying the announcement was a video showing the so-called "dark fleet motor tanker." The military stated that the interception was carried out successfully and peacefully during the early hours of the morning.
According to the authorities, the M/T Sophia had been operating in foreign waters and is alleged to have been engaged in conducting illegal activities throughout the Caribbean Sea. While full details of these illicit operations were not immediately disclosed, the interdiction marks a clear enforcement action against maritime crime.
Vessel En Route to US for Final Disposition
Following its capture, the M/T Sophia is now under the control of the United States. The US Coast Guard is currently escorting the tanker toward American territory. Once it arrives within US jurisdiction, federal authorities will determine its final disposition, which could involve legal proceedings or other penalties.
The US military framed this operation as part of a broader, ongoing campaign to combat unlawful operations in the region. "Through Operation Southern Spear, the Department of War is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere," the statement noted. It further emphasized a commitment to defending the homeland and restoring security across the Americas.
A Day of Dual Maritime Seizures
This seizure was not an isolated event on Wednesday, January 7. In a separate but related development, the United States also seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker after a pursuit lasting more than two weeks across the Atlantic Ocean. A Reuters report indicated that the Russian vessel was being shadowed by a submarine from Russia during the incident.
This action against a Russian-flagged ship is reported to be part of US efforts to create a blockade on oil exports from Venezuela, according to officials. Notably, this marks the first seizure of a Russian-flagged vessel by the US in recent years.
The maritime operations follow a period of heightened tension. They come shortly after US special forces launched strikes on Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, before dawn on Saturday. That operation led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who were subsequently flown to the United States and handed over to federal authorities by the US Army.
