The United States has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic Ocean, ending several days of attempts to stop the vessel. The operation was successfully carried out on Wednesday (7 January) after repeated efforts to halt the tanker.
Earlier, Russian media reported that U.S. forces had even attempted to deploy troops from a helicopter onto the vessel in order to stop it. A few hours later, confirmation of the tanker’s seizure emerged.
Crew Ignored Coast Guard Orders
According to reports, the U.S. Coast Guard had been pursuing the tanker continuously, but the crew refused to comply with their instructions. Eventually, U.S. authorities launched a forced boarding operation and took control of the ship.
The incident has triggered renewed tensions between Moscow and Washington.
U.S. Press Secretary: Tanker Violated Sanctions
When asked about the seizure, U.S. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt did not comment directly on the operation but stated that the tanker had departed Venezuela in violation of U.S. sanctions. She also claimed the vessel was involved in oil transport between Iran and Russia.
Leavitt added that because the tanker left Venezuelan waters despite sanctions, its crew would be brought to the United States, where they would face legal proceedings.
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