Russian oil tanker coming from Venezuela in the North Atlantic Ocean ‘Marinera’ But after the American military occupation, a war-like situation has arisen between Russia and America. Moscow has termed this action as clear piracy in the open sea and has seriously accused America of violating international laws.
Government news agency TASS RussiaQuoting the Foreign Ministry, it said that it is closely monitoring the news related to the landing of US military forces on a Russian-flagged oil tanker. The ministry demanded that the US ensure humane and dignified treatment of Russian citizens aboard the tanker and that their rights and interests be fully respected.
Russia also said that America should not create any obstacle to the speedy and safe return of Russian citizens on board the ship.
‘America is violating UN maritime law’
The Russian Transport Ministry confirmed that it had lost contact with Marinera after US forces boarded the ship at around 7 am (ET). Strongly condemning this action, the Ministry said that under the United Nations Maritime Law of 1982 (UNCLOS), no country has the right to use force against a duly registered ship of another country.
This is open plunder in the sea: Russian leader
Senior leader of the upper house of the Russian Parliament, Andrey Klishas, also made a scathing attack on America. Describing this operation as open plunder at sea, he said that America is directly trampling international law under its so-called rules. Klishas warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for global maritime security.
Ship’s crew can be brought to US: White House
The White House also issued a statement saying that the Trump administration is in constant and close contact with the interim government of Venezuela and that Foreign Minister Marco Rubio is communicating directly with officials there. According to the White House, the US has considerable pressure and influence on Venezuela and the upcoming decisions will largely be in line with American interests.
Regarding the recently seized oil tanker, the White House made it clear that America will strictly enforce all the sanctions and if needed, the ship’s crew can be brought to America. The administration also said that the US is working with Venezuela and the oil industry on a big deal, under which Venezuelan oil will soon be brought to the US.
According to the White House, top executives of oil companies will reach the White House this week and President Trump will meet them directly. The administration also clarified that at present there are no US troops deployed in Venezuela, but the President reserves the right to use the US military if necessary. America’s long term strategy regarding Venezuela is ready and steps are being taken on all three fronts: energy, security and diplomacy.
Operation between Russian warships
This seizure took place in the Atlantic Ocean when a submarine and several warships of the Russian Navy were deployed in the sea near Iceland. American officials told the news agency Reuters on condition of confidentiality that the effort to capture this Russian tanker was not successful overnight, but it was tracked in the Atlantic Ocean for weeks.
The tanker had already evaded the US maritime ‘blockade’ and had refused the US Coast Guard’s repeated instructions and requests to board and inspect the ship. Not only this, due to fear of being caught, the ship even changed its flag and registration in the middle of the ocean to hide its identity.
Britain played an important role
Britain’s cooperation was very decisive in this challenging operation. According to US officials, the mission was jointly carried out by the US Coast Guard and the US Army, with Britain providing its land as a ‘launchpad’. British air bases were used for tanker capture missions. When this Russian tanker was passing through the maritime area between Iceland and Britain, surveillance planes of the Royal Air Force (RAF) continuously monitored its movements and shared accurate information with the US Army.
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