In a significant escalation of its campaign against Venezuelan oil exports, the United States has captured a Russian-flagged oil tanker following an intense pursuit across the Atlantic Ocean that lasted more than two weeks. The operation, confirmed by U.S. officials, represents a bold move to enforce sanctions and marks the first seizure of a Russian-flagged vessel by the U.S. in recent years.
The Atlantic Pursuit and Dramatic Capture
The target of the operation was the tanker Bella-1. According to a Reuters report, the vessel was being shadowed by a Russian submarine during its journey, highlighting the high-stakes nature of the maritime chase. U.S. Coast Guard attempts to board the ship were initially rebuffed by the tanker's crew. The successful seizure was ultimately carried out by the U.S. military and Coast Guard in a coordinated operation near Iceland, as revealed by officials speaking on condition of anonymity.
This seizure is a direct part of Washington's strategy to create a stringent 'blockade' of oil exports from Venezuela. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized this point, stating in a reply to a U.S. European Command post on X that "The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT — anywhere in the world." The Bella-1 had previously managed to slip through a U.S.-enforced maritime blockade of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean region.
Context: Raid in Caracas and a Second Ship Seized
This maritime operation follows another audacious move by U.S. forces on the ground. In a pre-dawn raid on Saturday, U.S. special forces dropped into Caracas, Venezuela, raided the residence of President Nicolas Maduro, and captured him along with his wife. The couple was subsequently flown to the United States and handed over to federal authorities by the U.S. Army.
In a related development, U.S. forces also captured another vessel, the M/T Sophia. The U.S. Southern Command alleged the stateless tanker was "operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea." The capture was described as a "pre-dawn action" conducted without incident by the Department of War in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security.
Reactions and Strategic Implications
The U.S. Southern Command framed the actions as part of "Operation Southern Spear," stating its mission is to "crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere" and "restore security and strength across the Americas." Russian state media, RT, released an image of a helicopter hovering over the seized Bella-1 tanker. However, the Russian government has not yet issued an official comment on the seizure of its flagged vessel.
This series of events signals a dramatic and multi-front intensification of U.S. pressure on the Venezuelan government and its economic lifeline, oil exports. The direct seizure of a Russian-flagged ship adds a complex geopolitical dimension, risking further tensions between Washington and Moscow.
