The United States has successfully seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker "Marinera" in the North Atlantic Ocean after weeks of tracking, marking a rare military action against a Russian commercial vessel that has escalated geopolitical tensions between the two powers.

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the seizure alongside two additional tanker captures in coordinated operations targeting sanctions-evading vessels.

Three Tankers Seized in Coordinated Strikes

The US Coast Guard executed two precision operations in the early morning hours. "Motor Tanker Bella-I" was seized in the North Atlantic, while "Motor Tanker Sophia" was captured in Caribbean international waters. Both vessels had either recently docked in Venezuela or were transporting contraband oil.

Secretary Noem described the operations as a major blow against the "Ghost Fleet"—vessels used to circumvent international sanctions on oil trade.

Weeks-Long Pursuit Ends in Capture

US European Command confirmed the "Marinera" seizure was conducted jointly by the US Army and Coast Guard under a federal court warrant alleging sanctions violations.

Officials revealed the tanker had been tracked for weeks after evading a US maritime blockade and refusing repeated boarding requests. The vessel even changed its flag and registration mid-sea to conceal its identity.

Russian Military Presence Heightens Tensions

The operation gained gravity when Russian warships and a submarine were confirmed present in waters near Iceland during the seizure. Their proximity transformed the capture into a serious geopolitical confrontation.

Britain Provides Critical Support

British air bases served as the operation's launchpad, with Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft continuously monitoring the tanker's movements between Iceland and Britain, sharing intelligence with US forces.

The seizure follows the recent arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US Special Forces, further straining international relations.