The United States, on Wednesday, seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker which was being shadowed by a submarine from Russia, after a pursuit that lasted more than two weeks across the Atlantic Ocean, as per a Reuters report. This is the first time in recent years that the United States has seized a Russian-flagged vessel. In a post on X, the U.S. military's European Command said the Trump administration had seized the vessel for violating U.S. sanctions. "Through Operation Southern Spear, the Department of War is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere. We will defend our Homeland and restore security and strength across the Americas," the Southern Command also said.

Source: Mint January 07, 2026 18:15 UTC