PANAMA CITY, PANAMA (By Piero Stewart, Energy Analytics Institute, 7.Jan.2026, Words: 152) — In a pre-dawn action on 7 Jan. 2026 the US Department of War, in coordination with the US Department of Homeland Security, apprehended a sanctioned dark “fleet motor tanker without incident.”
The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea, Southern Command announced on 7 Jan. 2026 in a post on social media.
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The US Coast Guard is escorting M/T Sophia to the US 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,” Southern Command said.
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By Piero Stewart reporting from Panama City. © 1999-2026 Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.
