Politics
NEW: US Forces Seize Sanctioned Tanker After Wild Standoff
The United States has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker tied to Venezuelan crude after a dramatic, commando-style operation that followed the vessel across the Atlantic for more than two weeks.
The tanker, now known as the Marinera and formerly operating as the Bella 1, was taken into U.S. custody after repeatedly evading American authorities and slipping through what President Trump has described as a maritime blockade targeting sanctioned vessels linked to Venezuela.
U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the operation was carried out by the Coast Guard with support from the U.S. military and has now concluded.
Images circulating in Russian media appeared to show a helicopter closing in on the vessel during the operation. The aircraft was believed to be an American MH-6 Little Bird.
American officials said Russian military assets were operating nearby at the time, including a Russian submarine, heightening the stakes of the seizure and raising the risk of a diplomatic confrontation with Moscow.
The tanker became a high-profile target after the Coast Guard attempted to board it last month in the Caribbean under a warrant alleging violations of U.S. sanctions and claims it had previously transported Iranian oil. Instead of complying, the ship abruptly changed course, rebranded itself as the Marinera and registered in a Russian maritime database.
In two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously coordinated boarding of two “ghost fleet” tanker ships— one in the North Atlantic Sea and one in international waters near the Caribbean. Both vessels —the Motor Tanker Bella I and the Motor… pic.twitter.com/EZlHEtcufX
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 7, 2026
During the chase, the crew painted a Russian flag directly onto the hull and claimed the ship was sailing under Russian protection. Moscow later made a formal diplomatic request demanding the U.S. abandon the pursuit.
Tracking data showed the vessel sharply turning south and slowing to about eight knots before being seized roughly 124 miles south of Iceland, on a route that appeared to be heading toward northern Scotland.
Flight tracking data indicated British and American military aircraft were active in the area. The Daily Mail reported that British Typhoon jets were scrambled, though the UK Ministry of Defense declined to comment. Downing Street also refused to say whether British bases were involved.
Donald Trump said last month he had ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, a move the Maduro government labeled theft. In the lead-up to the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro, Trump accused Venezuela of using shipping routes to smuggle drugs into the United States.
Two U.S. officials told CBS News earlier this week that Washington intended to seize the Marinera rather than sink it.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry warned that Western nations must respect freedom of navigation.
The U.S. European Command later confirmed the action, saying the Department of Justice and Homeland Security “today announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violations of U.S. sanctions.”
In a post on X, officials said 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.”
They added that the mission supported Trump’s proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that threaten security in the Western Hemisphere and was carried out through a whole-of-government effort involving the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of War.
U.S. officials also confirmed the Coast Guard has intercepted another Venezuela-linked tanker in Latin American waters as enforcement of the maritime blockade continues.
The Marinera, which began its voyage in Iran and was falsely registered under a Guyanese flag, has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil but is believed to be empty at the time of its seizure.
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