Don't take it lightly! Russia launched a submarine after the US oil tanker, causing widespread uproar

RT also released a photo allegedly showing a helicopter hovering near the ship. RT, citing an unidentified source, reported that a US Coast Guard vessel was pursuing the tanker and had previously attempted to seize it during stormy sea conditions.

The US is attempting to seize control of a Russian-flagged oil tanker belonging to Venezuela after conducting surveillance in the Atlantic Ocean for more than two weeks.

The operation comes at a time when Russian naval assets , including a submarine and a warship , are reportedly active in the wider region. Russian state broadcaster RT claimed that US forces were seen attempting to board the tanker Marinera using helicopters . RT also released a photo allegedly showing a helicopter hovering close to the ship. RT , citing an unidentified source, reported that a US Coast Guard vessel was pursuing the tanker and that attempts to seize it had been made previously during stormy sea conditions.

Speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity , US officials said the attempt to seize the tanker risked escalating tensions with Moscow . They said the tanker had previously managed to evade a US maritime "blockade" imposed on banned vessels and had rebuffed repeated requests from the US Coast Guard to board the vessel. The operation is being conducted jointly by the US Coast Guard and the US military , officials said . If successful, it would be one of the rare instances in recent years when the US military has attempted to seize a Russian-flagged commercial vessel.

He further said that Russian military vessels, including a submarine , were present near the operation site, although their exact distance from the tanker is unclear. Officials said the interception effort is taking place near Iceland . According to US officials cited by Reuters , the tanker , operating under the name Bella-1 , was first intercepted by the US Coast Guard last month. The ship refused to let US personnel board and later re-registered under the Russian flag.

It is now known as the Marinera . US officials told Reuters that the Marinera is the latest target of President Donald Trump 's pressure campaign against Venezuela , which includes stricter action against Venezuelan - linked oil shipments . Additionally , the US Coast Guard has intercepted another Venezuelan - linked oil tanker in Latin American waters .

PC:Prabha sakshi