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, demanding that the US treat Russians aboard properly and allow their return to Russia.
The transport ministry stated it had given the vessel temporary permission to sail under the Russian flag, adding that no state had the right to use force against vessels registered in other jurisdictions.
Reports suggested that Russia dispatched a submarine to safeguard the vessel, but US forces managed to board the tanker without facing any resistance.
The White House labeled the ship a Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel deemed stateless after flying a false flag and had a judicial order against it.
Venezuelan leadership is reportedly cooperating with the US on the second tanker seized in the Caribbean, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated they understand that cooperation with the US is essential for their economic stability.
Discussions surrounding oil exports were highlighted, with statements from Trump indicating that Venezuela will be turning over up to 50 million barrels worth about $2.8 billion to the US.
The Senate is expected to vote on a bipartisan war powers resolution regarding continued military action in Venezuela amidst ongoing tensions.
China, the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil in recent years, condemned US actions as threats to global energy security.
