The United States says it has seized two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports in back-to-back operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean.
US forces boarded the Russian-flagged Marinera after a pursuit lasting almost two weeks and as it travelled through the waters between Iceland and Scotland. The British Navy provided logistical support by air and sea.
A second tanker - the M/T Sophia - was accused by the US of conducting illicit activities and was boarded in the Caribbean.
These moves come as the US seeks to choke off most exports of Venezuelan crude oil, just days after its special forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a lightning raid on his residence in Caracas.
In a post on X, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth declared: The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT - anywhere in the world.
Moscow has condemned the seizure of the tanker sailing under its flag and demanded that the US treats Russians on board properly and allows them to return home. The Russian transport ministry stated it had given the vessel temporary permission to use the Russian flag, stressing that no state has the right to use force against vessels registered under other states' jurisdictions.
Reports suggested Russia dispatched a submarine to safeguard the vessel, but US forces boarded without resistance.
The White House described the ship as a Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel deemed stateless after allegedly flying a false flag, with a judicial order against it.
The seizure of the two tankers was announced by the US military via social media. The US European Command reported that the M/V Bella 1 (the former name of the Marinera) was boarded for violations of US sanctions. It had previously been tracked for violations of sanctions and was finally seized under a warrant issued by a US federal court.
Meanwhile, Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that actions taken were in full compliance with international law and part of a global effort to tackle sanctions-busting.
The US Southern Command also announced the apprehension of M/T Sophia, which was conducting illicit activities in international waters and is being escorted to the U.S. for final disposition.
Venezuela's leadership appears to be cooperating with the US on the seized tanker, as US officials suggest that cooperation could prevent economic collapse for Venezuela. Secretary Marco Rubio mentioned that the US aims to sell Venezuelan oil at market rates while ensuring proceeds benefit the Venezuelan people, aligning with a strategic plan for Venezuela's future amidst heavy criticism from global buyers like China.
Such actions highlight the increasing geopolitical tensions involving Venezuela’s oil resources and the US's firm stance on controlling its export activities.
