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 travelled through the waters between Iceland and Scotland. The UK Royal Navy provided logistical support by air and sea.
The 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, just days after its special forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a lightning raid on his Caracas residence.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized on X that 'the blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT - anywhere in the world.' Moscow condemned the seizure of the Marinera, asserting that the US must treat the Russians aboard properly and allow them to return to Russia quickly. Reports hinted that Russia had dispatched a submarine to protect the vessel, but US forces boarded without facing resistance.
The White House labeled the ship as a 'Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel deemed stateless after flying a false flag and had a judicial order against it.' Defense official Marco Rubio noted that Venezuela, recognizing its economic crisis, is now cooperating with the US regarding the oil trade and is open to generating revenue through US oversight.
As tensions rise, the operation raises questions about the balance of power in the region and the implications for US involvement in Venezuela amidst global energy security debates.
The 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, just days after its special forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a lightning raid on his Caracas residence.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized on X that 'the blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT - anywhere in the world.' Moscow condemned the seizure of the Marinera, asserting that the US must treat the Russians aboard properly and allow them to return to Russia quickly. Reports hinted that Russia had dispatched a submarine to protect the vessel, but US forces boarded without facing resistance.
The White House labeled the ship as a 'Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel deemed stateless after flying a false flag and had a judicial order against it.' Defense official Marco Rubio noted that Venezuela, recognizing its economic crisis, is now cooperating with the US regarding the oil trade and is open to generating revenue through US oversight.
As tensions rise, the operation raises questions about the balance of power in the region and the implications for US involvement in Venezuela amidst global energy security debates.
