U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Venezuela Oil Tankers in North Atlantic, Caribbean

The U.S. has recently seized two oil tankers that were sanctioned and linked to Venezuela. These operations took place in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean as part of the U.S. government’s ongoing effort to enforce sanctions against Venezuelan oil exports.

Details of the Seizures

On Wednesday, U.S. European Command announced the seizure of the tanker Bella 1. This vessel was pursued due to violations of U.S. sanctions, prompting military action that began last month. The Bella 1 had attempted to evade a U.S. blockade aimed at sanctioned oil vessels associated with Venezuela.

• Tanker Bella 1: Sanctioned in 2024 for transporting cargo connected to Hezbollah.
• Tanker Sophia: Captured simultaneously in the Caribbean.
• Locations: Both tankers were reportedly either docked in Venezuela or en route to the country.

According to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the U.S. forces took control of the tanker Sophia shortly after the Bella 1 incident. Both operations underscore the U.S. commitment to targeting vessels involved in smuggling operations linked to Venezuela.

Background on the Bella 1

The Bella 1 changed its name to Marinera and was flagged under Russia. Reports indicate the crew painted a Russian flag on the hull as part of an apparent effort to disguise its identity. Maritime tracking data showed that it was en route between Scotland and Iceland when captured.

U.S. military planes, along with a Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft, monitored the tanker’s movements prior to the seizure. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Munro played a critical role in tracking the Marinera before it was apprehended under a federal court warrant.

Political Context

The seizures are part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to aggressively enforce sanctions against Venezuela and its leadership. This follows a recent nighttime raid in Caracas, where Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured along with his wife.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the U.S. stance on oil sanctions, stating, “We are enforcing American laws regarding oil sanctions. We go to court, we obtain warrants, and we seize those vessels.”

The U.S. government’s actions reflect ongoing tensions in the region and highlight its commitment to maintaining security and stability concerning sanctioned vessels from Venezuela.