Jan 7, 2026: The United States has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic that was connected to Venezuelan oil, the U.S. European Command confirmed. Authorities tracked the vessel across the Atlantic before carrying out the operation.
Earlier Wednesday, the U.S. also intercepted another tanker linked to Venezuela in the Caribbean, marking back-to-back seizures of ships considered part of a “ghost fleet.”
The White House held a press briefing following the North Atlantic operation. Officials described the seized tanker, now called the Marinera, as being involved in violations of U.S. sanctions and transporting sanctioned oil. The ship had previously been known as the Bella 1.
U.S. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the Marinera’s crew may be brought to the United States for prosecution if necessary. She emphasized that the administration will fully enforce sanctions policies against vessels operating outside the law.
Russia’s foreign ministry criticized the seizure, noting that the tanker was only temporarily registered under the Russian flag. Moscow insisted that no country has the right to use force against ships properly registered in another nation’s jurisdiction.
The ship is accused of breaching U.S. sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. Historically, it has transported Venezuelan crude, though reports indicate it was empty at the time of capture.
The U.K. military assisted in the Atlantic operation by providing air surveillance and deploying a navy ship, supporting U.S. forces in securing the tanker.
Leavitt added that the federal court order authorizing the seizure also covers the crew, meaning they can be brought to the United States and prosecuted under U.S. law.
In related developments, US President Donald Trump stated that Venezuela will transfer 30 to 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States for sale at market value.
Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers in both the House and Senate are set to receive classified briefings on the Venezuela-related operations and the seizures of these vessels.
Separately, the White House indicated that Trump is exploring various options regarding Greenland, emphasizing that the use of military measures is not ruled out. Greenland has requested a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the renewed U.S. interest in the Arctic island.
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