Pentagon Announces Hunt for Shadow Fleet: How the US is Curbing Illegal Oil Exports.

According to ТСН: Washington reaffirms its determination to combat illegal oil exports that fuel authoritarian regimes. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth made a clear statement, effectively declaring a hunt for all vessels involved in the illegal transport of resources.

He emphasized that the United States continues to block all vessels of the 'shadow fleet' that steal from the Venezuelan people to fund illegal activities.

'Only legal and authorized trade in energy resources, as defined by the US, will be allowed.'

— noted the Secretary.

These words are confirmed by real actions at sea. The US military conducted a successful operation in the Caribbean Sea, during which the tanker Sophia was intercepted. This vessel, which the Americans identified as a 'stateless entity' from the 'shadow fleet', was engaged in illegal activities in international waters. The US Coast Guard is now escorting it to an American port for further investigation.

The tanker Sophia was sailing under the flag of Cameroon and was transporting oil from Venezuela, for which American officials deemed it guilty of violating the embargo.

Situation in the North Atlantic

Even more dramatic events occurred in the North Atlantic, where American forces seized the oil tanker Marinera (formerly Bella-1). This vessel, which previously sailed under the Panamanian flag, changed its registration to Russian and attempted to hide under the protection of the Russian Federation. Reports indicate that Russia even sent a submarine to escort the tanker at the moment when the US started monitoring it. However, American forces executed a federal court order and took control of the vessel.

These actions by the US underline Washington's determination to combat illegal energy resource supplies that threaten international security. Operations against the 'shadow fleet' may become part of a broader US strategy in the region aimed at upholding legality and democratic principles in states affected by the illegal export of natural resources.