North atlantic: The U.S. military has seized two oil tankers involved in Venezuelan oil exports in quick succession, both in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea.

According to Thai News Agency, the operation began with the seizure of the oil tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella-1. It was intercepted in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Iceland and the United Kingdom, after being pursued by a US fleet for over two weeks. The US European Command reported that the vessel was seized for violating US sanctions, and released photographs depicting the oil tanker in the distance.

The pursuit of the Marinera was marked by high tension, as the crew attempted to evade capture by changing the ship's name and adopting the Russian flag for protection. Reports also emerged of Russian submarines in the vicinity, although no direct confrontation occurred. The British Ministry of Defence confirmed its support for the US mission by deploying surveillance aircraft and warships.

Simultaneously, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted another oil tanker in Latin American waters. The U.S. Southern Command stated that the M Sophia, an extra-large tanker flying the Panamanian flag and under sanctions, was intercepted in the Caribbean Sea before dawn. It was identified as part of a "ghost fleet" suspected of smuggling oil to evade sanctions. The tanker was reportedly en route to Asia, likely China, employing stealth navigation techniques. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated that the crew members could face extradition to the U.S. for disobeying orders and violating criminal sanctions.

This development follows the recent capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicol¡s Maduro by US special forces. President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hexeth have announced a global blockade of Venezuela's oil, asserting that the US will control Venezuela's oil sales and use the revenue as it sees fit.