US EditionUS handing over seized tanker to Venezuela, officials say
- Reuters reported on Jan 28 that the United States is transferring custody of the Panama-flagged supertanker M/T Sophia to Venezuelan authorities.
- Coast Guard and U.S. military forces interdicted the M/T Sophia on January 7, and the administration said it was a `stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker` under sanctions.
- Anchored off Ponce, Puerto Rico, the oil tanker M Sophia was photographed on January 21, 2026, while U.S. officials spoke anonymously and the U.S. Coast Guard did not immediately respond to requests, Reuters reported.
- Authorities declined to explain the decision, even as seizures of Venezuela-linked tankers have continued through a months-long effort with seven apprehensions since late last year.
- U.S. policy statements and reported plans frame the return within broader moves on Venezuela's oil sector, with President Donald Trump focusing on displacing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and rebuilding the oil industry in a $100 billion plan.
21 Articles
21 Articles
U.S. Returns Seized Tanker to Venezuela Amid Tensions
The U.S. returned the Panama-flagged supertanker M/T Sophia to Venezuela after seizing it this month. This marks the first instance President Trump's administration has done so amid efforts to seize Venezuelan-linked oil tankers. The move comes amid U.S. actions aimed at exerting control over Venezuela's oil resources.
US handing over seized tanker to Venezuela, officials say
The United States is handing over a tanker to Venezuela that it seized this month, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Wednesday, the first known instance in which President Donald Trump's administration has returned such a tanker.
The United States is returning an oil tanker that it had seized this month to Venezuela, according to two U.S. officials, marking the first time that a U.S. administration returns such a naval asset in the midst of its actions on oil shipments from the South American country. The vessel, identified as the M/T Sophia oil tanker with the flag of Panama, was intercepted on January 7 by the Coast Guard and U.S. military forces, and was part of an on…
The administration of US President Donald Trump plans to hand over to Venezuela an oil tanker that was seized earlier this month — this could be the first such case. What you know, read TSN.ua (news 1+1).
U.S. handing over seized tanker to Venezuela, officials say: Reuters
People walk in front of a crude oil tanker at Maracaibo Lake in Maracaibo, Venezuela, on January 12, 2026. After the US raid that deposed Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela’s leader, citizens hope the ensuing talks on selling its oil to US may improve their dire economic fortunes. (Photo by Margioni BERMÚDEZ / AFP via Getty Images) Margioni Bermudez | Afp | Getty Images The United States is handing over to Venezuela a tanker that it seized this month,…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
