US moves to seize Venezuela-linked oil tanker in North Atlantic, sources say

The U.S. launched an operation to seize the Marinera oil tanker — formerly known as the Bella-1 — which has been linked to Venezuela and is currently in the North Atlantic, according to three sources familiar with the operation.

The operation is being carried out by the U.S. Coast Guard and other military assets. Russian military vessels were in the area as the situation unfolded.

The U.S. Coast Guard has been tracking the tanker for the last two weeks after attempting to seize it on Dec. 20 when the empty ship was in the Caribbean and apparently headed to Venezuela.

On Dec. 31 the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping listed the ship — with the new name of Marinera — as a Russian vessel. The ship’s crew also painted a Russian flag on the ship’s side.

The Bella-1 previously flew a false Panamanian flag and was listed as part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” which Moscow is accused of using to evade international sanctions.

The vessel was already under U.S. sanctions for carrying Hezbollah-owned cargo and for providing a form of support to the Iranian regime.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.