The USA Captured Two Tankers from Russia's "Shadow Fleet"
The operation to seize the tanker Bella 1, also known as "Marinero," began after more than two weeks of pursuit in the Atlantic Ocean. This vessel is part of the so-called shadow fleet engaged in circumventing sanctions related to Russia's actions.
The U.S. military confirmed that the seizure was carried out in the North Atlantic based on a federal court order. The operation involved the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as the Coast Guard, which had been tracking the vessel.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth noted that the blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil "continues to be fully enforced worldwide," 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 mentioned the presence of Russian naval forces in the area, including a submarine, which could have increased the risk of escalating the situation.
Fox News correspondent Lucas Tomlinson reported that U.S. forces seized the tanker between Iceland and the British Isles before Russian ships arrived.
Satellite data shows that during the pursuit, Marinero attempted to conceal its route: there were recorded disruptions in the AIS signal and sharp course changes. The vessel had previously refused to comply with Coast Guard inspection requests and changed its name, registering under the Russian flag.
Additionally, U.S. Southern Command announced the detention of another tanker - M/T Sophia. According to U.S. authorities, this vessel was operating without a flag and was involved in illegal activities in international waters of the Caribbean Sea. The operation was conducted without incidents, and the tanker is heading to the U.S. for further action.
The U.S. military clarified that these actions are part of Operation "Southern Cross," aimed at combating illegal maritime activities in the Western Hemisphere.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristjen Nielsen stated that during two operations conducted at dawn, the Coast Guard seized two tankers from the "shadow fleet" - one in the North Atlantic and the other in the Caribbean. Both vessels, Bella 1 and Sophia, were either in Venezuela or heading in its direction.
U.S. authorities emphasize that actions against these vessels are part of the efforts of President Donald Trump’s administration to tighten control over the export of Venezuelan oil in violation of sanctions.
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