The US seized a Russian oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday. It targets vessels tied to Venezuela.
The US seized a Russian oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday. It targets vessels tied to Venezuela.
US European Command posted on X that Justice and Homeland Security departments, with Defense, took the Bella 1. It broke US sanctions.
US and Russian news outlets reported earlier that day. The US military moved to grab the tanker. Russia had sent warships to guard it.
Fox News, CNN, and Russia Today covered it. The action followed word of Russian escorts. US forces chased the tanker.
Washington sanctioned the ship in 2024. Back then, it was Bella 1. It joined a hidden fleet hauling illegal oil
Washington sanctioned the ship in 2024. Back then, it was Bella 1. It joined a hidden fleet hauling illegal oil.
Last month, the Coast Guard tried to board it near Venezuela. The tanker turned and escaped.
US teams kept tracking it northeast. They flew spy planes from a Royal Air Force base in Suffolk, England. They watched for days.
The crew painted a Russian flag on the hull. That signaled Russian backup.
The tanker soon listed on Russia's official registry as Marinera. Moscow sent a diplomat note last month. It demanded the US stop the chase
The tanker soon listed on Russia's official registry as Marinera. Moscow sent a diplomat note last month. It demanded the US stop the chase.
Russia's new claim on the ship could snag the case. Two insiders told CNN otherwise. The Trump team rejects it. They view the vessel as flagless.
Russian state media cited the Foreign Ministry. The ship sails international waters under Russian flag. It follows sea laws.
Moscow told Western nations to protect free navigation.
