The United States has seized two tankers connected to Venezuelan oil exports in two back-to-back operations. The first, the Russian-flagged Marinera, was captured in the North Atlantic between Iceland and Scotland after nearly two weeks of pursuit. The British Navy supported the operation by air and sea. The second tanker, M/T Sophia, was boarded in the Caribbean for "conducting illicit activities," according to the US. These actions come as the US intensifies efforts to block Venezuelan crude oil exports amid sanctions. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth tweeted, "The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT - anywhere in the world." Russia condemned the seizure of the Marinera and demanded proper treatment and swift return of its crew. The Russian transport ministry said the ship had "temporary permission" to fly the Russian flag and protested any forced action against vessels registered under another state's jurisdiction. There were reports Russia sent a submarine to protect the vessel, but US forces boarded without resistance. The White House labeled the Marinera a "Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel deemed stateless after flying a false flag and had a judicial order" against it. Venezuela's leadership is cooperating with the US on the second tanker, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, adding, "They understand that the only way they can move oil and generate revenue and not have economic collapse is if they co-operate and work with the United States." President Donald Trump stated Venezuela will turn over up to 50 million barrels of oil worth about $2.8 billion to the US. Rubio added the oil would be sold at market rates, with proceeds benefiting the Venezuelan people. China, the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil, condemned the US moves, accusing Washington of threatening global energy security. The US European Command announced the boarding of the M/V Bella 1 (formerly Marinera) for violating US sanctions. The vessel was tracked by the Coast Guard cutter Munro. UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the operation complied fully with international law and aimed at cracking down on sanctions-busting. The Marinera had also been accused of shipping Iranian oil. Russian media showed a helicopter near the vessel during boarding. Experts explained the ship was stateless as it falsely flew Guyana’s flag while actually under Russian registry. Under UN maritime law, stateless ships can be boarded. Separately, US Southern Command reported capturing the M/T Sophia in international waters of the Caribbean. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described "two predawn operations" by the Coast Guard involving the boarding of "ghost fleet" oil tankers either docked in Venezuela or heading there. The Sophia is being escorted to the US for final action.