United States Forces Seize Venezuelan-Linked Oil Tanker Marinera in North Atlantic After Prolonged Pursuit
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. military and law enforcement forces have successfully boarded and seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic Ocean after an extended pursuit, officials confirmed on Wednesday. Military.com+1
The operation, conducted pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court, marks a significant escalation in Washington’s enforcement of sanctions targeting vessels suspected of transporting oil linked to Venezuela and other sanctioned entities. Military.com
The Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, had been under surveillance since late December after evading a U.S. Coast Guard blockade near Venezuelan waters. The vessel refused initial boarding attempts and fled into the Atlantic, turning off its Automatic Identification System and later reflagging itself under Russian registry in an apparent attempt to evade interception. Anadolu Ajansı+1
U.S. European Command said the seizure was carried out with the assistance of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Munro, which tracked the tanker across thousands of nautical miles. After boarding, control of the ship was turned over to U.S. law enforcement officials. Military.com
The United States Treasury Department had placed sanctions on the vessel in 2024, alleging it had transported oil on behalf of entities linked to Iranian-backed groups and had repeatedly violated U.S. sanctions governing Venezuelan crude shipments. Anadolu Ajansı
The Marine’s seizure comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, with Russia having previously deployed naval assets, including a submarine, to shadow the tanker during the pursuit. Moscow has protested the operation, stating the vessel was operating under Russia’s national flag in international waters. Anadolu Ajansı
U.S. officials framed the action as part of a broader campaign to enforce sanctions and disrupt networks they say undermine the security and economic stability of the Western Hemisphere. Anadolu Ajansı
Aaron Joyce, Newswire, L.T.T Media; Newsdesk; January 7, 2026
