Exclusive-US handing over seized tanker to Venezuela, officials say

The oil tanker M Sophia, which was seized by the United States, is anchored off the coast of Ponce, Puerto Rico, January 21, 2026. REUTERS/Ricardo Arduengo

WASHINGTON, ‌Jan 28 (Reuters) - The United States is handing over to Venezuela a tanker that it ‌seized this month, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Wednesday.

The United States has ‌been carrying out a months-long effort to seize oil tankers linked to Venezuela - carrying out seven apprehensions since late last year.