US giving seized tanker to Venezuela

The United States is returning a seized oil tanker, the M/T Sophia, to Venezuela. This follows a series of U.S. operations targeting vessels linked to Venezuela's oil sector. The Coast Guard captured the tanker on January 7 while it was under sanctions. Despite the return, the reasons behind it remain unclear. The Trump administration aimed to exert control over Venezuela's oil resources, proposing a $100 billion plan to rebuild its oil industry. Experts warn that many seized tankers lack safety certification, posing risks for shipping and insurance challenges.