'High seas drama!' Internet lights up as US seizes Russia-backed tanker near Venezuela
Wednesday morning brought an explosive new development in Venezuela, as U.S. forces moved to seize an oil tanker near Venezuela which was protected by a Russian submarine. U.S. officials said that the tanker was flying a false flag and was sanctioned for illegally carrying Iranian oil, per the Wall Street Journal.The news was met with a wide range of reactions — some of them critical, but others approving."US now seizing Venezuela-linked oil tanker Marinera (ex-Bella 1), Russian-flagged, after 2-week Atlantic pursuit," wrote Democratic strategist and Suffolk County legislator Jon Cooper. "It evaded blockade, resisted Coast Guard boarding—with Russian navy (incl. sub) nearby. High-seas drama escalating!""This is piracy under the law of nations," argued George Conway, a Never Trump attorney now running for Congress in New York as a Democrat. "And under section 1651 of title 18 of the United States Code, piracy under the law of nations is punishable by life imprisonment."Many did not share his view, however. Indeed, a great deal of support came from pro-Ukraine internet activists, who saw it as a massive blow against the Kremlin's illicit activities."The US seizing a russian tanker should show Europe how to deal with Russia," wrote pro-Ukraine activist Akash Maniam. "Force, not appeasement. Strength, not weakness. Call russia's bluff and put them in their place."Another such activist, "Kate from Kharkiv," posted chats of pro-Russian bloggers raging against the seizure, and writing, "Russian propaganda bloggers already crying about seized tanker."
