Hornpost
Washington / North Atlantic (Horn post) United States military and law enforcement forces have successfully taken control of a Russian-flagged oil tanker, the Marinera (formerly Bella-1), in the North Atlantic Ocean following a more than two-week pursuit that began in Caribbean waters, U.S. officials confirmed.
The operation was conducted under a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court for alleged violations of American sanctions tied to Venezuelan oil exports and purported sanctions-evasion networks. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice and Coast Guard coordinated the seizure, with support from military assets.
According to the European Command, the tanker had been tracked by U.S. forces across the Atlantic after refusing boarding in the Caribbean and re-registering under the Russian flag in late December.
Second Tanker Also Seized:
Simultaneously, U.S. authorities have taken control of a second sanctioned vessel in the Caribbean, expanding the scope of the operation targeting so-called “shadow fleet” tankers linked to Venezuela and sanctioned entities.
MOSCOW CALLS SEIZURE ILLEGAL, DENOUNCES ACTION AS “PIRACY”
The Russian government has blasted the seizure, calling it a violation of international maritime law and decrying the U.S. action as “piracy.” Russia’s Transport Ministry stated that no nation has the right to use force against a vessel registered under another state’s flag, citing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Russian lawmakers and officials have demanded the humane treatment and repatriation of the tanker’s crew, while condemning Washington’s legal basis for the operation.
UK SUPPORTS U.S. ACTION, HIGHLIGHTS SANCTIONS ENFORCEMENT
The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that UK forces supported the U.S. operation, including surveillance and logistical contributions, as part of wider sanctions enforcement efforts targeting sanctioned maritime networks. UK Defense Secretary John Healey described the mission as part of global efforts to counter illicit shipping and protect international security.
BACKGROUND:
SHADOW FLEET, SANCTIONS AND GEOPOLITICAL FRICTION
The Bella-1 tanker was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2024 for alleged involvement in transporting oil linked to sanctioned networks, including groups tied to Iran and Hezbollah. After refusing initial interception attempts near Venezuela last month, the vessel fled into the Atlantic, changed its name to Marinera and adopted a Russian registration in an apparent bid to avoid U.S. enforcement.
The National pursuit and seizure mark one of the most significant maritime enforcement actions against a Russian-flagged vessel in recent memory, raising tensions between Washington and Moscow and underscoring escalating pressure on sanctioned energy networks.
ONGOING DEVELOPMENTS:
Officials indicate this is a developing situation, with broader implications for U.S.–Russia relations, global sanctions regimes and maritime law enforcement. Further responses from Moscow, Washington and allied capitals are expected in coming hours.
Source: world news agencies
Prepared by:
Horn post staff reporter
Hargeisa Somaliland
