The United States military has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic after a weeks-long pursuit for alleged violations of U.S. sanctions, the U.S. European Command said. The vessel, formerly known as the Bella-1 and later renamed Marinera, had evaded an earlier boarding attempt near Venezuela and was tracked by U.S. forces before being taken under control under a U.S. federal court warrant.
The operation, coordinated by the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice and U.S. military personnel, is part of Washington’s broader effort to enforce sanctions on oil shipments linked to Venezuela and other sanctioned entities.
Russia has strongly condemned the seizure as a breach of international law, demanding that the United States ensure the humane, dignified treatment of the Russian crew members and facilitate their prompt return home.
