Published On 7 Jan 2026
The United States military is attempting to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker with links to Venezuela after a weeks-long pursuit, US and Russian media outlets report.
Two unnamed US officials told the Reuters news agency on Wednesday the operation is being carried out by the Coast Guard and US military.
Russian state broadcaster RT reported it appears US forces are trying to board Venezuela-linked oil tanker Marinera from a helicopter, and published an image of a helicopter hovering near the ship.
RT cited an unnamed source as saying a US coast guard vessel has been following the tanker and an attempt to seize it during a storm had already been carried out.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has been cited by state media as saying the ship, which is now flying the Russian flag, is in international waters and acting according to international maritime law.
It called on Western countries to respect the vessel’s right to freedom of navigation.
More to come…