US Special Forces Intercept Libyan Oil Tanker

Reuters reported that a tanker carrying a cargo of oil has been seized by US special forces. The tanker “fled … from a Libyan port controlled by anti-government rebels,” and those controlling it had hoped to sell the fuel on the global market.

As quoted in the market news:

A U.S. SEAL commando team boarded the tanker Morning Glory from a Naval special warfare rigid inflatable boat as it sat in international waters off Cyprus on Sunday night.

The seizure was approved by U.S. President Barack Obama and requested by the Libyan and Cypriot governments, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said.

No one was hurt in the under two hour operation, and no shots fired. Two AK47 rifles were found and the three Libyans holding the ship remained in U.S. control, a U.S. defense official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Click here to read the full Reuters report.