White House Press Secretary Leavitt: Seized ship deemed stateless for flying a false flag

U.S. President Donald Trump's Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt answered questions from members of the pressat the White House. During the press briefing, Leavitt addressed the U.S. plans regarding Venezuela and the Russian-flagged oil tanker, previously known as "Bella-1" and now called Marinera, which was seized by the U.S. in the openseas between Iceland and the UK, and noted that it wasnot registered under the flag of any country.regarding the oil tanker named Sophia, which did not carrystatements were made.

"Their decisions will continue to be dictated by the U.S."

Regarding the question about U.S. control in Venezuela, Leavitt stated that the Trump administration would maintain a closeare in contact and that the U.S. has "maximum influence," stating that "our coordination with the interim authorities continues, and their decisions will continue to be dictated by the U.S.," she said.

Touching upon the oil the U.S. will receive from Venezuela, Leavitt stated that this agreement would benefit both the American and Venezuelan people, adding that the oil in question will reach the U.S. very soon. Leavitt noted that the revenue generated from the oil will be used for the American and Venezuelan people.noting that it would beused for purposes.

Stating that the U.S. has a "long-term plan" regardingVenezuela, Leavitt expressed that the 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to be acquired from Venezuelawas the "first action"taken.

The U.S. operationhow they will be safe in Venezuelaregarding howthey will provide assurancesto the question, Leavitt stated that Trump reserves the right to use militaryforce if necessaryand that he will do what is in the best interests of the American people.stated. Leavitt, noting that the U.S. isattempting to reach an agreement with Venezuelan President NicolasMaduro through diplomatic channels, stated that Maduro is an "illegitimate dictator" andis currently being held in a prison cell in New York.

"The crew will be brought to the U.S. for potential prosecution."

In the North Atlantic, regarding the Marinera ship, which was seized with the support of the U.K., in her statement, Leavitt said, "The Department of Justice and the IDepartment of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of Defense,announced the seizure of the tanker this morningdue to violations of U.S. sanctions," she said.

Leavitt stated, "The ship seized this morning was intercepted in the North Atlantic following a search and seizure warrant issued by a U.S. Federal Court. This was a sanctioned Venezuelan 'shadow fleet' vessel, and the U.S.,under President Trump'sadministration, will not tolerate this," she said.

The White House spokesperson stated, "There is a judicial seizure order regarding the ship.This means that thecrewis subject to prosecution for violating federal law. If necessary, they will be brought to the US fortrial."

"Ba shadow fleet tanker"

When asked where the seized oil tankers, named Bella-1 (Marinera) and Sophia, were being taken and what would happen to their current cargo, Leavitt replied, "Regarding the Bella...made a statement. This morning, there was another ship named Sophia. This ship was alsoseized in coordination with the Department of Defense and the Department of HomelandSecurity. This is a statelessand sanctioned 'shadow fleet'tanker," she said.Leavitt added, "This incident,without any conflict,

demonstrates our commitment.took place without anyconfrontation.The ship was operating in international watersand was engaged in illegalactivities in the Caribbean Sea. The US Coast Guardescorted the Sophia to the US forfinal processing.is accompanying it," she said.

Regarding a question about whether there is any concern over rising tensions with Russia due to the seizure of tankers, Leavittresponded,"The seizure of ships means the enforcement of the embargo against all 'shadow fleet' vesselsillegally transporting oil.Only legitimate trade designated by the U.S. will be permitted. This administration's policyis this,and we are committed to enforcing it. will not hesitate," she said.

"It was considered stateless"

to protect Russia's oil tanker Bella, a submarine was dledand whether there was any contact with this submarine, to thequestion before her, Leavitt replied, "I repeat, this was aVenezuelan 'shadow fleet' vessel carrying sanctioned oil.It was a 'shadow fleet' ship. Because it was carrying a false flagitwas considered a statelessvessel. Furthermore, there was a court-ordered seizure warrant against it. Therefore, weThe crew will besubject to investigation," she stated.