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After a Weeks-Long Chase, US Attempts Seizure of Sanctioned Tanker as Russian Vessels Loom
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
The United States is attempting to seize a Venezuela-linked oil tanker after a more than two-week pursuit across the Atlantic Ocean, two US officials told Reuters on January 7.
The operation, led by the US Coast Guard in coordination with US military forces, could increase tensions with Russia.
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The vessel, originally known as the Bella-1, slipped through a US maritime “blockade” set up to intercept tankers subject to sanctions and resisted efforts by the Coast Guard to board it.
After avoiding the initial boarding attempt near Venezuelan waters in December, the ship began sailing across the Atlantic under the name Marinera and flew a Russian flag, which Moscow has said reflects its protection and registration.
Officials added that Russian military vessels were in the general vicinity when the US operation unfolded, including a Russian submarine, underscoring the risk of friction at sea.
BREAKING: U.S. military forces are attempting to board the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera (formerly Bella 1) in the Atlantic, a source tells RT. Officials also confirmed to Reuters that the operation is currently underway. pic.twitter.com/FwwLo6hX6v
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 7, 2026
US officials speaking on the condition of anonymity said the pursuit has been ongoing for more than two weeks and involves close monitoring by US naval and Coast Guard assets.
The tanker’s movements have drawn increased surveillance as it approached northern Atlantic waters, where Russian naval forces, including a submarine, have been reported to be escorting the vessel.
The head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, Andrii Kovalenko, confirmed the reported seizure and commented on social media: “US forces seized the Russian tanker Marinera… Once again, they rubbed it in Putin’s face.”
Earlier, a second oil tanker linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” switched to a Russian flag in waters near Venezuela, a move widely seen as an attempt to avoid possible seizure by US authorities.
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