US Seizes Two Tankers in Atlantic and Caribbean; Russia Reacts

The United States has seized two tankers, one Russian-flagged in the Atlantic and one in the Caribbean, drawing a reaction from Moscow. The Russian tanker Marinera was seized in the North Atlantic, while the second tanker, Sophia, was seized in the Caribbean. Both vessels were allegedly carrying oil from Venezuela.

The U.S. Armed Forces Command confirmed the seizure of the Marinera, emphasizing that it was based on a federal court warrant and supports Donald Trump's policy on ships threatening the security of the Western Hemisphere.

Russia condemned the action, claiming it violates the Law of the Sea. The White House responded that the seizure is legal due to violations of U.S. sanctions.

According to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the U.S. is about to enter into an agreement to purchase oil from Venezuela, while U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem warned that the U.S. will continue to block ships illegally transporting oil from Venezuela.