U.S. to intercept tanker linked to Venezuelan oil trade.

American forces are planning to intercept the Marinera, an evading oil tanker historically carrying Venezuelan crude oil and sanctioned by the Treasury Department, as part of the ongoing pressure campaign against Venezuela. Discussions of Venezuelan officials disguising armed military personnel on tankers and portable air defense systems were reported. The U.S. aims to seize the ship rather than sink it, similar to previous operations, amidst heightened tensions with Russia and ongoing efforts to block oil smuggling from sanctioned nations. If successful, this would be the third oil tanker seized by the United States in recent months.

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