US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth claimed that the ‘blockade’ of sanctioned Venezuelan oil remains in ‘full effect’ after the US secured two Russian-flagged oil tankers in European and Caribbean waters.
US special forces boarded the Marinera, previously named Bella-1, on Wednesday before a Russian submarine could arrive. The second tanker captured, the M/T Sophia, was ‘operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea’ according to US Southern Command.
The assault was carried out by US military and Coast guard personnel.
The United States European Command said in a statement: ‘The @TheJusticeDept & @DHSgov, in coordination with the @DeptofWar today announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violations of U.S. sanctions.
‘The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro.’
Hegseth shortly quoted the post thereafter, writing: ‘The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT — anywhere in the world.’
Donald Trump appears to have dismissed the threat of Vladimir Putin‘s forces lurking nearby, including reports of a submarine.
Russia’s foreign ministry earlier said that the vessel is in international waters and is acting according to maritime law.
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US European Command confirms oil tanker was ‘seized’
US European Command confirmed the military seized a Venezuela-linked, sanctioned oil tanker in the North Atlantic after pursuing it for weeks.
‘The @TheJusticeDept & @DHSgov, in coordination with the @DeptofWar today announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violations of US sanctions,’ US European Command wrote on X.
‘The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro.
‘This seizure supports @POTUS Proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere. The operation was executed by DHS components with support from @DeptofWar, showcasing a whole-of-government approach to protect the homeland.’
US spy plane is spotted at UK airbase
A US air force plane was seen leaving at air base in the United Kingdom after the US European Command confirmed the military seized a Venezuela-linked, sanctioned oil tanker in the North Atlantic.
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Trump says Venezuela will turn over up to 50 million barrels of oil
Donald Trump announced a deal with the Venezuelan regime to give the United States 30 to 50 million barrels of oil which could be worth up to $2billion.
The president has openly stated that the military operation to depose leader Nicolas Maduro this past weekend was, in part, an attempt to extract some of oil-rich Venezuela’s stock.
‘I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America,’ he posted to Truth Social.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez previously served as Maduro’s Minister of Petroleum and Hydrocarbons.
Trump also announced that he will be in control of the money made off sales – which at market price, could be worth up to $2billion according to Reuters – of the oil.
‘This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!’
US confirms second, separate seizure of ‘dark fleet’ oil tanker
The US Southern Command announced it seized a separate oil tanker in the Caribbean on Wednesday morning.
‘In a pre-dawn action this morning, the Department of War, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident,’ US Southern Command wrote on X.
‘The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea. The US Coast Guard is escorting M/T Sophia to the U.S. for final disposition.
‘Through Operation Southern Spear, the Department of War is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere. We will defend our Homeland and restore security and strength across the Americas.’
Blockade of Venezuelan oil is in ‘full effect,’ Pete Hegseth says
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the blockade of Venezuelan oil is in ‘full effect,’ after the US military seized an oil tanker in the North Atlantic.
‘The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT — anywhere in the world,’ Hegseth wrote on X.
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