U.S Seizes Two Russian Shadow Fleet Tankers Carrying Venezuelan Oil In Back-To-Back Operations

The U.S confiscated two tankers carrying Venezuelan oil in operations conducted in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

U.S forces boarded the Marinera, which was flying the Russian flag, after following the tanker for 14 days while it sailed between Iceland and Scotland.

European Command announced on social media that Marinera was seized for violating U.S sanctions and shipping Iranian oil.

The USCGC Munro tracked the tanker, and the U.K provided surveillance aircraft and a naval support vessel for the operation, after the U.S asked for assistance.

Defence Secretary John Healey said the move was in full compliance with international law.

The second tanker, called M/T Sophia, was accused of being involved in illegal activities.

The Russian Transport Ministry stated that no one has the right to use force against ships registered in the jurisdictions of other states.

Per reports, Russia also sent a submarine to protect the tanker, but it seems that U.S forces boarded the tanker without any problems.

The United States is working to block exports of Venezuelan crude, days after President Trump picked his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro, during a raid in his Caracas home.

Russia has asked Washington to treat the Russian crew on board humanely and allow them to return to Moscow.

Venezuelan officials are working with the U.S on the second tanker, M/T Sophia, seized in the Caribbean.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the media that Venezuela understands that the only way it can export oil and prevent an economic collapse is by getting along with the U.S.

U.S President Donald Trump had said earlier that Venezuela, which is known to possess the world’s largest proven oil reserves, will give around 50 million barrels of oil worth $2.8 billion to the U.S.

U.S plans to sell Venezuelan oil in the market at market rates and would use the revenue generated from it in ways which will benefit the people of Venezuela.

The Trump administration has said that it has a plan for Venezuela, which involves recovery, stability and transition.

China, the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil, has condemned U.S action, accusing it of threatening energy security and infringing on the sovereignty of other countries.

Source: Maritime Shipping News