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The United States has seized Bella-1, a Russian-flagged oil tanker with links to Venezuela, after weeks-long pursuit across the Atlantic.
In an X post on Wednesday, the US European Command said the tanker was seized for violating sanctions.
The tanker was sanctioned by the US in 2024 for operating within a “shadow fleet” of tankers transporting illicit oil.
But it was not until last month that the US began a cat-and-mouse game with the vessel.
They had tried to seize the tanker last month when it was near Venezuela, but missed after the ship turned around and fled.
During the pursuit, a Russian flag later appeared painted on the ship’s hull with the crew claiming it was sailing under Russian protection.
Shortly thereafter, the vessel appeared on Russia’s official register of ships under a new name — the Marinera.
Russia then filed a formal diplomatic request last month demanding that the US stop pursuing the vessel.
The seizure is the latest action in US President Donald Trump’s pressure campaign against Venezuela.
Earlier, the US demanded that Venezuela sever economic ties with Russia, China, Cuba and Iran, and partner America exclusively on oil production.
With 80,000 barrels as of 2024, Russia holds the world’s seventh largest oil reserves.
By claiming Russian status, the legalities and implication of the US seizing Bella-1 could become more complicated.
Pascal Arogorn Ibe
