U.S. forces seized two tankers, the Russian-flagged Marinera and the MT Sophia, in separate operations linked to Venezuelan oil exports, according to U.S. officials. The Marinera was boarded in the North Atlantic after a nearly two-week pursuit in waters between Iceland and Scotland, while the MT Sophia was seized in the Caribbean Sea.

The U.S. accused the MT Sophia of engaging in "illicit activities." The seizures are part of a broader U.S. effort to curtail Venezuelan crude oil exports. The British Navy provided logistical support to the U.S. during the Marinera operation.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated in a post on X, "The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT - anywhere in the world."

Moscow condemned the seizure of the Marinera, demanding proper treatment of the Russian crew and their swift return to Russia. The Russian transport ministry stated it had provided assistance to the crew.

The U.S. has been intensifying its efforts to restrict the Venezuelan oil trade, aiming to pressure the government of President Nicolás Maduro. These actions follow a recent raid by U.S. special forces targeting Maduro in Caracas. The U.S. government has not released details about the current location of the seized tankers or the status of their crews.