US Forces Seize Venezuela-Linked Russian Oil Tanker After High-Seas Chase

U.S. forces have seized two Venezuela-linked oil tankers, including the Russian-flagged Marinera (formerly Bella 1), after a weeks-long high-seas pursuit across the Atlantic. The operation, part of Washington's effort to enforce sanctions on oil shipments tied to Venezuela, Iran and Russia, targeted vessels allegedly involved in illicit trade and sanction evasion. The Marinera had attempted to evade capture by changing its name, flag and course, but was ultimately intercepted in international waters with support from UK bases. Russia has condemned the seizure as a violation of maritime law, raising concerns about heightened geopolitical tensions.