The first operation began with the pursuit of the tanker Bella 1, also known as Marinera, which lasted over two weeks in the Atlantic Ocean. This vessel is part of the "shadow fleet" and is linked to Russia's efforts to circumvent international sanctions.
As confirmed by the U.S. European Command, the seizure occurred in the North Atlantic based on a warrant from a U.S. federal court. The operation involved the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, while the Coast Guard tracked the vessel using its cutter.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the blockade of Venezuelan oil subject to sanctions "continues in full force anywhere in the world," linking this operation to a broader strategy of pressure on Caracas.
According to Reuters, the operation was conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard with military support. Earlier, The Wall Street Journal noted the presence of Russian naval forces in the region, including a submarine, which increased the risks of escalating conflict.
Fox News correspondent Lucas Tomlinson reported that U.S. forces boarded the tanker between Iceland and the British Isles before the arrival of Russian ships.
Satellite data indicates that Marinera attempted to conceal its route during the pursuit, with interruptions in AIS signals and sharp course changes observed. The vessel previously refused to comply with U.S. Coast Guard demands for inspection, after which it changed its name and was registered under the Russian flag.
At the same time, U.S. Southern Command reported the detention of another tanker - M/T Sophia, which was operating without a flag and was involved in illegal activities in international waters of the Caribbean Sea. This operation was conducted without incident, and the tanker is now being escorted to the U.S. for further investigation.
U.S. military officials noted that these actions are part of the "Southern Cross" campaign aimed at curbing illegal maritime activity in the Western Hemisphere.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristjen Nielsen stated that the Coast Guard boarded two tankers from the "shadow fleet" - one in the North Atlantic and one in the Caribbean. According to her, both vessels, Bella 1 and Sophia, either had previously been in Venezuela or were heading in that direction.
U.S. authorities emphasize that actions against these tankers are part of the efforts of President Donald Trump's administration to strengthen control over the export of Venezuelan oil in violation of sanctions.
