US Navy Seals have taken control of the tanker "Morning Glory", which had left the rebel-held port in of Sidra loaded with oil.
Associated Press reports that the USS Roosevelt (pictured) provided an embarkation point for the SEALs as well as helicopter support and served as a command and control and support platform.
The vessel evasded a naval blockade, prompting Libya's parliament to sack Prime Minister Ali Zeidan last week.
Originally flagged as North Korean, Pyongyang said it had been deregistered because of the incident. It was said to have been operated by an Egyptian company.
Rear Admiral John Kirby told BBC News that said the operation had been authorised by President Barack Obama and that no-one had been hurt, adding:
"The Morning Glory is carrying a cargo of oil owned by the Libyan government National Oil Company. The ship and its cargo were illicitly obtained."
(Source: BBC News, Associated Press)
