US forces confirm seizure of Russian tanker Marinera
Photo: The US Coast Guard detains a Russian tanker (Getty Images)
A Russian vessel, Bella 1, has been detained by US forces for violating US sanctions, according to the US European Command’s post on X.
"The US Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of War, today announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violations of US sanctions," the statement said.
The US military confirmed the detention of the Russian tanker Marinera.
Photo: The US seizes a Russian tanker (x.com/US_EUCOM)
The European Command clarified that the vessel was detained in the North Atlantic on the basis of a warrant issued by a US federal court after it was tracked by the USCGC Munro coast guard cutter.
The command also emphasized that the detention supports a decision by US President Donald Trump aimed at vessels under sanctions that pose a threat to the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere.
Detention of the tanker Marinera
Earlier, Reuters reported that the United States had seized an oil tanker linked to Venezuela after more than two weeks of pursuit in the Atlantic Ocean.
The operation began after the vessel, then known as Bella-1, broke through a maritime blockade of sanctioned tankers and refused to allow US Coast Guard personnel on board.
According to US officials cited by Reuters, the operation was conducted by the US Coast Guard with military support. Russian naval vessels, including a submarine, were also present in the area during the operation.
The seized tanker, now named Marinera and sailing under the Russian flag, became another target in Washington’s pressure campaign against Venezuela.
