U.S. Navy SEALs Seize Russian-Flagged Tanker Marinera After 2-Week Chase (2026

In early January 2026, U.S. military forces conducted a dramatic high-sea interception of sanctioned oil tankers as part of a major pressure campaign known as Operation Southern Spear, aimed at enforcing sanctions and disrupting illicit oil export networks. � Wikipedia +1 On January 7, U.S. Navy SEALs and Coast Guard units seized the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera (formerly Bella 1) in the North Atlantic after a two-week pursuit that began near the Caribbean. The ship had attempted to evade U.S. forces by changing its name, flying a Russian flag, and re-registering under Russian authorities — reportedly to escape sanctions and continue transporting oil linked to Venezuela and Iran. � Naval News +1 At the same time, U.S. Southern Command interdicted another vessel, the M/T Sophia, a “stateless” oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, further tightening the U.S. maritime blockade on shadow fleet tankers believed to be circumventing global sanctions. � Naval News The moves drew international reactions, with Russia condemning the actions as alleged violations of maritime law and describing the Marinera’s seizure as “piracy.” � Reuters This video breaks down the key events, diplomatic fallout, and the strategic implications of one of the most aggressive U.S. efforts yet to enforce sanction compliance on the high seas.