russian oil tanker: US launches high-stakes operation to seize Venezuela-linked oil tanker after Atlantic pursuit-here’s what this means for Russia and global oil
What is the US trying to seize?
The United States is targeting the oil tanker Marinera, previously known as Bella 1. The vessel was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2024 for operating as part of a so-called “shadow fleet” used to transport illicit Venezuelan oil. A U.S. official confirmed to CBS News that an operation to seize the tanker is currently underway.
The tanker has been tracked across the Atlantic after initially avoiding U.S. enforcement near Venezuelan waters. According to officials, the operation is being carried out jointly by the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. military, as per a report by Reuters.
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Why did the tanker evade capture?
Last month, the U.S. Coast Guard attempted to intercept the tanker when it was near Venezuela. However, U.S. forces were unable to board the ship after it turned around and fled. Since then, the vessel has spent more than two weeks attempting to slip past U.S. enforcement efforts, as per a report by Reuters and CNN.
During that time, the tanker registered under a Russian flag, complicating the seizure effort. Officials said this appears to be the first time in recent memory that the U.S. military has attempted to seize a Russian-flagged vessel, as per a report by Newsweek and Fox News.
Is Russia involved in the standoff?
The situation has drawn international attention after reports that Russia sent a submarine and other naval assets to escort the tanker. U.S. officials said Russian military vessels, including a submarine, were in the general vicinity of the operation, which was taking place close to Iceland.
The news was first reported by Reuters and followed reporting that the vessel resisted boarding and evaded a U.S. maritime blockade targeting sanctioned Venezuelan oil shipments.
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Why is the tanker part of a broader crackdown?
The Marinera is among several vessels targeted during President Donald Trump’s renewed pressure campaign against Venezuela. Separately, the U.S. Coast Guard has intercepted another Venezuela-linked tanker in Latin American waters as enforcement of a maritime “blockade” continues.
These actions come amid escalating tensions following a U.S. special forces operation in Caracas that resulted in President Nicolas Maduro being taken to the United States for prosecution. Venezuelan officials have condemned the move, while U.S. officials have accused Venezuela of stealing U.S. oil, as per a report by Newsweek.
FAQs
Why is the tanker Marinera being targeted?
It was sanctioned in 2024 for transporting illicit Venezuelan oil as part of a shadow fleet.
Where is the seizure operation taking place?
Officials say the operation is unfolding in the Atlantic, near Iceland.
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