07.01.2026 19:04
The U.S. European Forces seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker known as 'Bella-1' in the North Atlantic for allegedly violating sanctions related to Venezuela.
The U.S. European Command announced that a Russian-flagged oil tanker named Marinera, previously known as "Bella-1" and linked to Venezuela, has been seized in the North Atlantic.
U.S. SEIZES RUSSIAN-FLAGGED OIL TANKER
In a written statement from the U.S. European Command, it was stated that the Russian-flagged "M/V Bella 1" was seized in the North Atlantic for violating U.S. sanctions in coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Department of Defense. It was reported that the tanker was seized under a search warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by the Munro vessel of the U.S. Coast Guard.
The statement included, "The seizure operation supports U.S. President Donald Trump's declaration targeting vessels that threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere and are subject to sanctions. The operation was carried out by units of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with the support of the U.S. Department of Defense, demonstrating a comprehensive approach involving all government units aimed at protecting the homeland."
"BLOCKADE ON VENEZUELAN OIL CONTINUES WORLDWIDE"
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated in a social media post, "The blockade on illegal Venezuelan oil subject to sanctions continues to be fully enforced around the world."
RUSSIA RESPONDS
In a statement from the Russian Ministry of Transport regarding the issue, it was stated, "No state has the right to use force against vessels registered under the jurisdiction of other states."
LAST MONTH, IT ESCAPED BY CHANGING ITS ROUTE
The U.S. Coast Guard had attempted to seize the "Bella 1" oil tanker last month, which was believed to be heading towards Venezuela in the Caribbean, accused of carrying Iranian oil, and subject to sanctions for operating within a "secret fleet" transporting smuggled oil in 2024. The oil tanker, which changed its name to "Marinera" to avoid U.S. intervention and altered its route, switched from the Guyanese flag to the Russian flag. The oil tanker managed to escape from the Caribbean Sea to the North Atlantic and was being tracked by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Today, U.S. media reported that Russia had dispatched a submarine and warships to accompany the oil tanker. At the end of December, Russia sent a diplomatic note to the U.S. requesting the cessation of the tanker’s tracking.
According to international law, vessels flying a country's flag are under the protection of that country. Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a "full blockade" on oil tankers entering and exiting Venezuela that are subject to sanctions.