US seizes two 'shadow fleet' tankers linked to Venezuelan oil

WASHINGTON - 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 and as it travelled through the waters between Iceland and Scotland. The British Navy gave logistical support by air and sea.

A second tanker - the M/T Sophia - was accused by the US of "conducting illicit activities" and boarded in the Caribbean.

The moves come as the US seeks to choke off most exports of Venezuelan crude oil, and just days after its special forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a lighting raid on his residence in Caracas.

Moscow has denounced the seizure of the tanker sailing under its flag, and demanded that the US treat Russians on board properly and permits them to return to Russia quickly.

The transport ministry said it had given the vessel "temporary permission" to use the Russian flag, adding that no state had the right to use force against vessels properly registered in other states' jurisdictions.

Reports had suggested that Russia had dispatched a submarine to safeguard the vessel, but it appears that US forces were able to board the tanker without facing any resistance.

Venezuela's leadership is co-operating with the US on the second tanker seized in the Caribbean, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

"They understand that the only way they can move oil and generate revenue and not have economic collapse is if they co-operate and work with the United States," Rubio told reporters.

Earlier, President Donald Trump had said that Venezuela - which has the world's largest oil reserves - "will be turning over" up to 50 million barrels of oil worth some $2.8bn (£2.1bn) to the US.

Rubio said that the US would sell oil that is in Venezuela "in the marketplace at market rates" and that the US would control how the proceeds were dispersed "in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people".

China - the biggest buyer of Venezuelan oil in recent years - has condemned the US moves and accused it of threatening global energy security. (Source: BBC News)