Key Takeaways
- The US has seized a Venezuela-linked oil tanker, the Marinera, in the North Atlantic Ocean for alleged violations of US sanctions.
- The vessel was escorted by a Russian submarine and had been tracked by the US Coast Guard Cutter Munro.
- The seizure is part of a broader effort by the US to enforce a blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil.
- The US has also captured another tanker, the Sophia, which was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities.
- Russia has condemned the seizure, calling it a "violation of maritime law" and "outright piracy".
Introduction to the Seizure
The US has seized a Venezuela-linked oil tanker, the Marinera, in the North Atlantic Ocean for alleged violations of US sanctions. The vessel was escorted by a Russian submarine and had been tracked by the US Coast Guard Cutter Munro. The seizure is part of a broader effort by the US to enforce a blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the vessel was seized pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court. The US Coast Guard had been attempting to board the vessel after it allegedly fled America’s blockade of sanctioned vessels near Venezuela.
The Pursuit and Seizure
The pursuit of the Marinera began over two weeks ago, with the US Coast Guard Cutter Munro tracking the vessel across the sea. The vessel, previously named the Bella-1, had evaded a US maritime blockade of sanctioned tankers and refused requests to be boarded. Since then, it had registered under a Russian flag. The US forces had been attempting to board the vessel, and on January 7, they finally seized it. The seizure took place without incident, and there have been no reported injuries to US forces. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, stated that the US is prepared to continue using leverage to enforce the blockade, including the fact that sanctioned vessels cannot move oil unless the US allows them to.
International Reaction
The seizure of the Marinera has sparked an international reaction, with Russia condemning the action as a "violation of maritime law" and "outright piracy". Russia’s Transport Ministry stated that contact with the vessel had been lost after US naval forces boarded it near Iceland. The ministry also stated that freedom of navigation applies in the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states. The US, on the other hand, has maintained that the seizure is part of its efforts to enforce sanctions on Venezuela and prevent the export of sanctioned oil.
Broader Context
The seizure of the Marinera is part of a broader effort by the US to enforce sanctions on Venezuela. The US has been attempting to block oil exports from Venezuela, and has captured several tankers in recent days. The US has also captured Venezuela’s leader, Nicholás Maduro, and his wife, who are now facing federal drug-trafficking charges. The US has announced that Venezuela will turn over up to 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the US, which will be sold at market price and the proceeds will be controlled by the US President to benefit the people of Venezuela and the US.
US Military Preparedness
The US military has stated that it is prepared to continue enforcing the blockade and seizing vessels that violate US sanctions. The US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, stated that the US will continue to use leverage to enforce the blockade, and that the military is prepared to take further action if necessary. The US has also stated that it will not tolerate any attempts to evade the blockade, and will take action against any vessels that try to do so. The seizure of the Marinera is a demonstration of the US’s commitment to enforcing its sanctions and protecting its interests.
Conclusion
The seizure of the Marinera is a significant development in the ongoing efforts by the US to enforce sanctions on Venezuela. The US has demonstrated its commitment to enforcing its sanctions and protecting its interests, and has shown that it is willing to take action against vessels that violate those sanctions. The international reaction to the seizure has been mixed, with Russia condemning the action as a violation of maritime law. However, the US has maintained that the seizure is part of its efforts to enforce sanctions and prevent the export of sanctioned oil. The situation remains fluid, and it is likely that there will be further developments in the coming days and weeks.