US forces seize sanctioned Russian-flagged oil tanker in North Atlantic, military says

U.S. forces on Wednesday seized the Russian-flagged Marinera oil tanker in the North Atlantic Sea, U.S. European Command (EUCOM) said. "The @TheJusticeDept & @DHSgov, in coordination with the @DeptofWar today announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violations of U.S. sanctions ," read a post from EUCOM on X. "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." "This seizure supports @POTUS Proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere," EUCOM added. "The operation was executed by DHS components with support from @DeptofWar, showcasing a whole-of-government approach to protect the homeland." Fox News previously reported that U.S. forces were attempting to board the Marinera tanker, which previously operated under the name Bella 1, in the North Atlantic earlier Wednesday morning. TREASURY TARGETS OIL TRADERS, TANKERS ACCUSED OF HELPING MADURO EVADE U.S. SANCTIONS The development comes after the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that Russia had sent a submarine and other naval assets to escort the tanker. The vessel had spent more than two weeks attempting to slip past U.S. enforcement efforts targeting sanctioned oil shipments near Venezuela, the outlet reported. "The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT — anywhere in the world," said Secretary of War Pete Hegseth after the tanker was seized. President Donald Trump announced a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going in and out of Venezuela in mid-December.