US Navy pursuing sanctioned oil tankers from Venezuelan waters across the Atlantic

US forces seized a Russian‑flagged tanker after a more than two‑week pursuit and are reported to be pursuing up to 16 other tankers that US authorities say left Venezuelan waters in breach of sanctions. Undetermined at this time.

The United States Navy is reported to be pursuing a group of oil tankers that US authorities say left Venezuelan waters in breach of sanctions. Officials reported that one Russian‑flagged tanker was seized after a pursuit across the Atlantic that lasted more than two weeks. Other vessels are reported to have altered names or registry during the chase. The actions have prompted diplomatic comments and allied operational support. Reported developments: - US forces are reported to have seized one Russian‑flagged tanker after a multiweek pursuit across the Atlantic. - US authorities say they are pursuing as many as 16 tankers linked to Venezuelan oil that were sanctioned for entering or leaving Venezuelan waters. - Some vessels reportedly changed names or reflagged as Russian, and several have not been located. - The UK Ministry of Defence reported providing pre‑planned operational support to US forces, and Russia's foreign ministry made diplomatic requests concerning the treatment of Russian nationals aboard. Summary: The reported seizure is part of an ongoing effort by US authorities to enforce sanctions on vessels linked to Venezuelan oil. Multiple ships remain at large or have altered registry, and diplomatic exchanges have followed. Undetermined at this time.