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 seizures occurred in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean, respectively, as part of an ongoing effort to curtail illicit activities related to Venezuelan crude oil.

The Marinera was boarded after a nearly two-week pursuit in the waters between Iceland and Scotland, with logistical support provided by the UK Royal Navy, according to U.S. authorities. The MT Sophia was seized in the Caribbean, accused of conducting illicit activities.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on X that "The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT - anywhere in the world." This statement underscores the U.S. government's commitment to enforcing sanctions against Venezuela.

Moscow condemned the seizure of the Marinera, demanding that the U.S. ensure proper treatment of the Russian crew and their swift return to Russia. The Russian government views the seizure as a violation of international law and an unwarranted act of aggression.

These actions follow a recent raid by U.S. special forces on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's residence in Caracas. The U.S. has been intensifying its efforts to pressure the Maduro regime by restricting its access to international oil markets.

The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector in an attempt to limit the country's primary source of revenue and pressure Maduro to step down. These sanctions prohibit U.S. companies and individuals from engaging in transactions involving Venezuelan oil. The U.S. government alleges that Maduro's regime is corrupt and has contributed to the country's economic crisis.

The seizures of the Marinera and the MT Sophia represent the latest developments in the U.S.'s strategy to enforce these sanctions. The U.S. government is likely to continue to monitor and intercept vessels suspected of violating sanctions related to Venezuelan oil exports. The legal status of the seized tankers and their cargo remains to be determined through legal proceedings.