Shadow tankers being targeted from Iceland to the Caribbean!
In an absolutely thrilling morning, after the seizing of the Bella-1 tanker near Iceland, news arises of yet another ship seizure, this one down in the warmer waters of the Caribbean.
In a ‘pre-dawn action’ this morning, the Department of War, coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended what it calls a ‘stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker’.
The action has reportedly unfolded ‘without incident’.
From the USA Southern Command post on X:
“The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea.
The U.S. Coast Guard is escorting M/T Sophia to the U.S. for final disposition.
Through Operation Southern Spear, the Department of War is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere. We will defend our Homeland and restore security and strength across the Americas.”
In a pre-dawn action this morning, the Department of War, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident.
The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and… pic.twitter.com/JQm9gHprPk
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) January 7, 2026
U.S. Southern Command troops boarded the stateless M/T Sophia in international waters on Wednesday as part of Operation Southern Spear.
During the siege of Venezuela, they are targeting Venezuela’s sanctions-evading oil trade.
The aging vessel is linked to Venezuelan crude and is reported to be possibly headed to China or Russia.
Bothe the M/T Sophia and the previously seized Bella-1 are now headed to the U.S. ‘for processing’ under Homeland Security oversight.
In two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously coordinated boarding of two “ghost fleet” tanker ships— one in the North Atlantic Sea and one in international waters near the Caribbean. Both vessels —the Motor Tanker Bella I and the Motor… pic.twitter.com/cFuNDtYR8n
— Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) January 7, 2026
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