Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jan 8: The United States has seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Bella 1, linked to Venezuela, following a more than two-week-long pursuit across the Atlantic, officials announced on Wednesday.
The US European Command stated that the operation was conducted in coordination with the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of War, citing violations of US sanctions. The vessel, now registered as Marinera, was intercepted in the North Atlantic under a federal court warrant after being tracked by the USCGC Munro.
US forces had first attempted to board the tanker near Venezuela last month, but the vessel evaded the blockade. During the pursuit, the crew painted a Russian flag on the hull and claimed Russian protection. Russia subsequently added the vessel to its official ship registry. However, US authorities continue to consider the tanker stateless.
The pursuit drew the attention of Russian military vessels, including a submarine, although their exact proximity to the operation near Iceland remains unclear. US P-8 surveillance aircraft from RAF Mildenhall, England, monitored the tanker as it moved north past the UK coast.
This seizure is part of broader US enforcement against Venezuela-linked tankers. On the same day, the US Southern Command announced the interception of another sanctioned vessel, the M/T Sophia, in the Caribbean Sea, describing it as a “stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker conducting illicit activities.”
The operation follows increased US military activity in the region, including last week’s strike in Venezuela and the deployment of C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft and heavily armed AC-130J Ghostrider gunships to bases in the UK. Reports suggest that helicopters for special forces operations, including MH-60M Black Hawks and MH-47G Chinooks, were transported to the region.
While the UK government declined to comment on the operations, US officials continue to enforce sanctions and maintain maritime vigilance against tankers involved in Venezuela’s “shadow fleet,” transporting oil illicitly.
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