US says it has seized Russian-flagged tanker Bella 1

The United States has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic following a dramatic weekslong chase on the high seas.

The operation launched Wednesday, according to two U.S. officials, was led by the Department of Homeland Security with support from the U.S. military.

The U.S. European Command confirmed the seizure of the tanker, which changed its name from the Bella 1 to the Marinera, for violating U.S. sanctions. “The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro,” it said in a post on X.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth re-shared the post, adding: “The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT — anywhere in the world.”

The vessel was initially pursued by the U.S. Coast Guard off Venezuela last month.

MNA