US seizes two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports

BBC
BBC
7m ago
The United States said it seized two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports in back-to-back operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean.
US seizes two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports
A What happened
US forces boarded the Russian-flagged Marinera after a pursuit lasting almost two weeks as it travelled between Iceland and Scotland, with logistical support from the British Navy. US forces also boarded a second tanker, the M/T Sophia, in the Caribbean after accusing it of conducting illicit activities. US officials said the seizures were part of efforts to choke off most exports of Venezuelan crude oil. US lawmakers raised questions about troop involvement, costs, and congressional authority, and the Senate is expected to vote next week on a bipartisan war powers resolution.
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Key insights

  • 1

    War powers concerns raised in Congress: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said lawmakers need answers on how many US troops could be involved and how much US involvement in Venezuela will cost, and the Senate is expected to vote next week on a bipartisan war powers resolution to block continued military action in Venezuela.

  • 2

    US officials framed seizures as sanctions enforcement against stateless vessels: US European Command said the Bella 1/Marinera was seized under a federal court warrant for violations of US sanctions, and US Southern Command said the M/T Sophia was a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet tanker apprehended without incident.

Takeaways

The US said it has taken control of two tankers it links to Venezuelan oil exports while domestic and international objections and congressional scrutiny continue.

Topics

World & Politics Policy & Regulation International Affairs Business & Markets Energy & Commodities Security & Defense

Read the full article on BBC

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