According to the U.S. Southern Command, this detention underscores the authorities' intention to ensure that the only oil being exported from Venezuela is done so in accordance with international laws and regulations.
The tanker "Sagitta" was added to the U.S. Department of the Treasury's sanctions list, which was published on October 1, 2025. The vessel is classified as part of a "shadow fleet" transporting sanctioned oil under a Panamanian flag. Its inclusion on the list was due to sanctions against Russia imposed in connection with the conflict in Ukraine.
Since December of last year, the U.S. has actively pursued tankers in the Caribbean Sea that are involved in transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil. As a result, at least seven vessels have already been detained. One such tanker was "Bella 1," which was pursued by U.S. military for several days. During the chase, the vessel, which had started its journey under a Panamanian flag, changed it to a Russian one and received a new name — "Marinera," after which it was registered in the Russian registry. On January 7, the tanker was seized. Two days later, the Russian Foreign Minister reported that U.S. President Donald Trump had decided to release two Russians who were on board. However, on January 20, Lavrov stated that the Russian sailors had not yet been released and expressed dissatisfaction with the U.S. not fulfilling its promises, although the American side did not confirm such intentions.
