U.S. Military Captures Russian-Flagged Venezuelan Oil Vessel

The United States has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after tracking the vessel across the Atlantic. The tanker, formerly known as Bella 1 and later renamed Marinera, was sanctioned in 2024 for operating as part of a shadow fleet transporting illicit oil.

U.S. European Command confirmed the seizure, which followed a failed attempt by the Coast Guard to board the ship near Venezuela last month.

The @TheJusticeDept & @DHSgov, in coordination with the @DeptofWar today announced the seizure of
the M/V Bella 1 for violations of U.S. sanctions. The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro. pic.twitter.com/bm5KcCK30X

— U.S. European Command (@US_EUCOM) January 7, 2026

The vessel fled and was pursued for weeks using U.S. surveillance aircraft operating from the United Kingdom, according to CNN.

During the pursuit, the crew painted a Russian flag on the hull and claimed protection from Moscow.

U.S. officials said the Trump administration does not recognize that status and considers the tanker stateless, despite Russian diplomatic protests.

US forces board sanctioned Russia-flagged oil tanker that eluded Venezuela blockade https://t.co/eKOY7EI5ij pic.twitter.com/DHBHVldVmg

— New York Post (@nypost) January 7, 2026

The operation follows President Donald Trump’s announcement of a full blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said enforcement will continue as leverage over Venezuela’s interim leadership after the capture of Nicolás Maduro.

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