The United States says it has seized two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports in back-to-back operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean.

US forces boarded the Russian-flagged Marinera after a pursuit lasting almost two weeks as it travelled through the waters between Iceland and Scotland. The UK Royal Navy provided logistical support for the operation.

The second tanker, the M/T Sophia, was boarded in the Caribbean and accused of conducting illicit activities.

This seizure comes as the US aims to choke off Venezuelan crude oil exports, mere days after special forces apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a surprise raid in Caracas.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized on X that the embargo on sanctioned Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT worldwide.

In response, Moscow condemned the seizure and demanded proper treatment for Russian citizens aboard, asserting that no foreign power has the right to utilize force against vessels registered in other jurisdictions.

The Russian transport ministry noted it granted temporary permission for the Marinera to fly the Russian flag, while US officials branded it a Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel for allegedly using a false flag.

Accompanying the seizure, US officials reported the ship Marinera was stateless and falsely flying the flag of Guyana during its last journey.

The US Southern Command stated it intercepted a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet tanker. The M/T Sophia was engaged in illegal operations in international waters and is being escorted back to the US.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed Venezuela's cooperation during the operation, noting that it understands cooperation with the US is key to generating oil revenue and preventing economic collapse.

US President Donald Trump indicated that Venezuela would be turning over millions of barrels of oil valued at nearly $2.8 billion to the US, with plans to manage sales to benefit Venezuelan citizens.

As tensions rise, the Senate deliberates a bipartisan resolution regarding military engagement in Venezuela, with lawmakers demanding clarity on the financial implications of US involvement. Some concern centers around what constitutes military operations and the need for congressional approval.

China, previously a significant buyer of Venezuelan oil, has condemned the US actions, warning against threats to global energy security.