France, Jan. 8 -- The US Coast Guard stopped the tanker - which was being shadowed by a Russian submarine - on Wednesday, after pursuing it for more than two weeks across the Atlantic as part of Washington's efforts to block Venezuelan oil exports.

Britain said its armed forces gave "pre-planned operational support, including basing" following a US request for assistance.

It said a military vessel provided support for the US forces pursuing the tanker, and the Royal Air Force provided surveillance support from the air.

In a post on X, the US military's European Command thanked the MoD for its "unwavering support" during the operation.

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The Mar...