UPDATE: US military forces have just seized a Venezuela-linked sanctioned oil tanker in the North Atlantic, marking a significant escalation in ongoing efforts against illegal oil trade. This action follows a dramatic nighttime raid earlier this week in Caracas, where US forces captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
The tanker, formerly known as the Bella 1, was pursued by the US military for weeks after it attempted to evade an American blockade established to target sanctioned vessels linked to Venezuela. According to a US official speaking to The Associated Press, the operation to seize the tanker was executed swiftly and effectively, with control now handed over to law enforcement officials.
In a statement released on social media, the US European Command confirmed that the US Coast Guard cutter Munro tracked the vessel prior to its seizure, acting under a warrant from a US federal court. This operation is part of a broader initiative announced by the Trump administration aimed at targeting vessels that threaten the security of the Western Hemisphere.
The Marinera was sanctioned by the US in 2024 for allegedly transporting cargo linked to the militant group Hezbollah. The US Coast Guard had previously attempted to board the ship in December while it was en route to Venezuela, but the vessel refused to comply and instead fled across the Atlantic.
Just hours before the seizure, maritime tracking sites indicated that the Marinera was navigating between Scotland and Iceland, heading north. US military aircraft have been monitoring the tanker, and on Tuesday, a British Royal Air Force surveillance plane was also observed in the vicinity.
This urgent operation underscores the US commitment to enforcing sanctions against Venezuela as part of broader efforts to curb illicit activities that destabilize the region. As developments unfold, authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary actions against illegal maritime operations.
What’s next? The US military has signaled its intent to maintain pressure on vessels implicated in violations. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, further military actions may be anticipated. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
