Moscow: US naval forces have seized the Russian oil tanker “Marinera” in international waters in the North Atlantic Ocean, as announced by the Russian Ministry of Transport. The ministry reported that contact with the vessel was lost following the boarding by US forces.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Russian Ministry of Transport released a statement through Russian media, indicating that the “Marinera” had received a temporary sailing permit on December 24th under the Russian flag, in compliance with Russian legislation and international law. The event took place at approximately 3:00 PM Moscow time when US naval forces boarded the ship outside the territorial waters of any nation.

The statement highlighted the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which ensures freedom of navigation on the high seas and prohibits any state from using force against vessels registered under the territorial waters of other states.

The United States has confirmed the seizure of the “Marinera,” attributing it to the tanker’s violation of sanctions against Venezuela. American media have reported that the tanker is now under US control, with federal law enforcement personnel on board.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth commented on the situation via the social media platform X, reiterating the enforceability of sanctions on Venezuelan oil, describing it as illegal and subject to sanctions globally.