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 as it traveled through the waters between Iceland and Scotland. The UK Royal 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 boarded in the Caribbean.
The moves come as the US seeks to choke off most exports of Venezuelan crude oil, and just days after its special forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a lightning raid on his residence in Caracas.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on X: The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT - anywhere in the world. Moscow has denounced the seizure of the tanker sailing under its flag and demanded that the US treat Russians aboard properly and permits them to return to Russia quickly.
The transport ministry said it had given the vessel temporary permission to use the Russian flag, adding that no state had the right to use force against vessels properly registered in other states' jurisdictions.
Reports suggested that Russia dispatched a submarine to safeguard the vessel, but it appears that US forces were able to board the tanker without facing any resistance.
The White House described the ship as a Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel deemed stateless after flying a false flag and had a judicial order against it.
Venezuela's leadership is cooperating with the US on the second tanker seized in the Caribbean, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. He noted that the US planned to use Venezuelan oil to generate revenue in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people.
This seizure underscores the escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela regarding the latter's oil exports, which have been pivotal to its economy. The United States has reiterated its commitment to enforcing sanctions and maintaining tight control over Venezuelan oil supplies.
