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. The Sophia was carrying oil when it was interdicted on January 7 by the Coast Guard and U.S. military forces. Earlier this months, the Sophia and another seized tanker were seen near Puerto Rico. Dubai-run GMS has applied for a U.S. license to buy and scrap ships seized by the U.S. government linked to Venezuelan oil trading.