The U.S. on Wednesday seized an oil tanker flying a Russian flag that is linked to Venezuela, according to a report.
An operation was launched by the U.S. to seize the tanker after a weeks-long chase, two U.S. officials told NBC News. One of the officials said that the ship has been secured, and the Department of Homeland Security is leading the operation with the support from the U.S. military.
The tanker, which changed its name from the Bella 1 to the Marinera, was initially pursued by the U.S. Coast Guard off the coast of Venezuela last month.
The Kremlin, which supports the Maduro regime, criticized what it called “disproportionate” U.S. attention on the tanker.
The vessel was one of a number of sanctioned oil tankers operating near Venezuela that recently changed their flags to Russia.
