PIRATE

The United States seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuelan crude oil on Wednesday.
One of the vessels, the Marinera (formerly known as Bella 1), was sailing in the North Atlantic, while the second, known as the M/T Sofia, was operating in the Caribbean Sea.

The U.S. alleges that both ships were in violation of its sanctions.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commented on Thursday, December 11, on the seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, announced the previous day by US President Donald Trump.

Lavrov indicated that the Americans boarded the ship, accusing it of transporting crude oil whose sale is prohibited. He noted, however, that the US oil company Chevron operates in Venezuela and purchases Venezuelan oil. Lavrov emphasized that Russia advocates for a collective debate on how to combat drug trafficking and ensure maritime security, avoiding unilateral actions.

The Venezuelan government described the seizure of the vessel as a “blatant robbery and an act of international piracy.”