Washington(The COW News Digital)The United States Navy, with support from the US Coast Guard, has seized a Russian-flagged vessel that was allegedly attempting to evade a naval blockade linked to Venezuela, according to international news agencies. The interception took place in international waters after the ship had reportedly been under surveillance for an extended period.
Sources say US naval and coast guard forces had been tracking the vessel for a long time and had previously attempted to intercept it. The operation was eventually carried out successfully, resulting in the ship being taken under US control. The seizure marks a significant escalation in maritime enforcement actions related to Venezuela and broader geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Russia.
Following the incident, Russia issued a strong reaction. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the US action, calling it an act of “maritime piracy.” In an official statement, Moscow said the oil tanker was flying the Russian flag and was operating in international waters at the time of the seizure. The ministry argued that the US operation violated international maritime laws and norms governing freedom of navigation.
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Russian officials have also demanded that the United States ensure the safety of the Russian crew aboard the vessel and facilitate their prompt return. The statement emphasized that any harm to the crew would be considered a serious breach of international obligations.
According to a report by a US newspaper, the seized vessel was traveling under the protection of a Russian submarine and a warship, highlighting the strategic sensitivity of the operation. The presence of Russian naval escorts suggests heightened security concerns and underscores the growing rivalry between Washington and Moscow in key maritime regions.
US authorities have not released detailed information regarding the cargo or the final destination of the vessel. However, analysts believe the ship was attempting to bypass restrictions associated with Venezuela, where the United States has imposed strict measures targeting oil exports and related maritime activity.
The seizure comes amid increased US efforts to enforce sanctions and block what it describes as illicit trade benefiting sanctioned regimes. Washington has repeatedly stated that it will take firm action against any attempts to undermine its policies, particularly in areas involving energy shipments and strategic waterways.
Observers say the incident could further strain already tense US-Russia relations, especially as both sides continue to accuse each other of violating international law. The development also raises concerns about potential confrontations at sea as global powers expand their naval presence in contested regions.
