The United States has reportedly seized and taken over the Bella-1, a Russian-flagged oil tanker with links to Venezuela, following weeks-long pursuit across the Atlantic.
The US European Command stated in an X post on Wednesday that the tanker was confiscated due to sanctions violations.
In 2024, the US imposed sanctions on the tanker because it was part of a “shadow fleet” of tankers that were carrying illegal oil.
However, the US did not start playing cat and mouse with the ship until last month.
They had tried to seize the tanker last month when it was near Venezuela, but missed after the ship turned around and fled.
The crew claimed the ship was travelling under Russian protection when a Russian flag later emerged painted on the ship’s hull during the pursuit.
Shortly after, the ship was listed as the Marinera on Russia’s official register of ships.
Following that development, last month, Russia formally requested that the United States cease its pursuit of the ship.
The latest move in US President Donald Trump’s campaign of pressure against Venezuela is the seizure.
Prior to this, the US insisted that Venezuela cut economic links with China, Cuba, Iran, and Russia and work only with the United States on oil production.
With 80,000 barrels as of 2024, Russia holds the world’s seventh largest oil reserves.
The laws and ramifications of the US taking Bella-1 may grow more complex if Russian status is claimed.
Meanwhile, the United States President in a statement via his Truth handle has announced that the current Venezuelan interim government will be turning over between 30- 50 million barrels of high standard oil to the United States. An announcement that has since stirred mixed reactions from world leaders.
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