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U.S. Military Moves to Board Russian Oil Tanker Amid Escalating Venezuela Standoff

In a significant escalation of post-Maduro tensions, U.S. forces are attempting to board the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic, following reports that Russia deployed a submarine and naval assets to escort the vessel.

The tanker has spent over two weeks evading U.S. enforcement efforts targeting sanctioned oil shipments from Venezuela.

This development follows last week’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by U.S. forces, an action President Donald Trump justified as part of a crackdown on international drug trafficking.

The boarding attempt marks a direct U.S.-Russia maritime confrontation and signals Washington’s determination to enforce sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports, despite Moscow’s military backing.

Russia’s dispatch of a submarine underscores the growing risk of international friction as major powers take sides in the Venezuela crisis.

Disclaimer:
This is a developing international security situation. CDA News Nigeria reports based on credible international news sources and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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