US forces are attempting to seize a Venezuela-linked oil tanker after a more than two-week pursuit across the Atlantic, US officials told Reuters on Wednesday – a move that could escalate tensions with Moscow.
The vessel, originally Bella‑1 and now renamed Marinera under a Russian flag, had slipped past a US maritime “blockade” of sanctioned tankers last month by dramatically changing course and reflagging.
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US authorities say the ship is tied to Venezuela’s oil sector and is believed to have been transporting Venezuelan crude in violation of US sanctions.
Russian naval assets, including a submarine, have reportedly been deployed to escort the tanker, which was thought to be between Scotland and Iceland on Tuesday.
Russia has said the ship is sailing in international waters “in full compliance with norms of international maritime law” and criticized US attention as “disproportionate.”
US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Russian naval assets – including a submarine – were in the area during the operation.
The pursuit is part of an intensified US campaign to enforce sanctions on Venezuela’s oil exports under President Donald Trump, with at least one other Venezuela-linked tanker intercepted in Latin American waters.
More to follow as this develops.
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