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 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.