U.S. forces have seized a Venezuelan oil-tanker in the North Atlantic after it evaded a partial blockade around Venezuela.U.S. officials say that the tanker is part of a so-called shadow fleet that has carried oil for countries such as Venezuela, Russia and Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions.The developments are the latest in U.S. President Trump’s crackdown on sanctioned oil tankers going to-and-from Venezuela.
Satellite imagery captured showed the Russian-flagged, Venezuela-linked tanker, named Marinera, as the U.S. reportedly pursued to seize the vessel.The vessel has been pursued since December. Russian Vaval assets, including a submarine, were reported near the ship during the chase.The Kremlin criticised, what it called, disproportionate U.S. attention on the vessel.The seizure follows President Trump’s announcement that Venezuela will transfer up to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S.Several other sanctioned tankers have recently re‑flagged under the Russian flag, raising further tensions.
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