America captured a Russian flagged tanker (Photo-X)
AP, Washington. The tension arising from America's military action in Venezuela had not yet subsided when America seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday. For the protection of this tanker, a Russian submarine was also moving along. This action of America has increased the tension between the two superpowers.
On one hand, senior Russian MP Andrei Klishas has termed it piracy, while on the other hand the White House has said that it will strictly implement all the sanctions. Shortly after this incident, America also captured another ship in the Caribbean Sea.
The way America is taking military action, ignoring international rules, has raised the possibility of deepening the global crisis. US European Command announced the seizure of the merchant vessel Bella-1 (Marinera) for violating US sanctions on Internet media.
The US had been chasing the tanker since last month as it tried to evade the US blockade on oil vessels banned around Venezuela. Now this tanker is in the possession of the US Coast Guard.
After this, Home Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that the US Army has also taken control of the tanker Sophia in the Caribbean Sea. Both ships had either last stopped in Venezuela or were on their way there. Both vessels are part of a "secret fleet" of sanctioned vessels that defy Western sanctions by carrying oil from Russia, Iran and Venezuela to mostly Asian customers.
According to the New York Times, the seizure of the Russian tanker indicates that the US intends to continue its blockade of Venezuelan oil even after capturing President Nicolas Maduro. Income from oil sales powers Venezuela's economy. Curbing its exports would put pressure on Maduro's successor, Delcy Rodriguez.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Wednesday that the US wants to monitor Venezuela's oil trade indefinitely. Britain said it provided assistance to the US in the US operation to seize the oil tanker. Following a request for assistance by the US, its armed forces provided pre-planned operational support, including deployment to a military base.
Crew may be sued
The crew of a Russian-flagged oil tanker seized by the US could be prosecuted, White House press secretary Carolyn Levitt said on Wednesday, according to Reuters.
There was a judicial seizure order against the ship, Levitt said. This means the crew is now subject to prosecution for any violations of federal law. The crew will be brought to the United States to stand trial if necessary.
Russia alleged violation of maritime law
Russia's Transport Ministry said the seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker was a violation of maritime law. Contact with the tanker was lost after American military forces boarded it.
According to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies on the high seas. Russia has demanded the US to ensure humane and dignified treatment of the crew members and ensure their early return home.