Sanctioned Tanker Bella Captured as US Enforces Venezuela Oil Ban
The United States has seized the oil tanker Bella, a vessel long suspected of operating within Venezuela’s illicit oil network, following a prolonged transatlantic pursuit that has intensified geopolitical tensions with Russia. The operation, confirmed by US European Command, marks one of the most assertive enforcement actions under Washington’s expanded blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil movements.
Originally known as Bella 1, the tanker had been under US sanctions since 2024 for its alleged role in transporting oil through a so-called “shadow fleet”. The seizure comes after weeks of surveillance involving US Coast Guard units, military aircraft, and special operations assets.
How the Bella Pursuit Unfolded
US authorities first attempted to intercept the tanker last month near Venezuelan waters. However, the vessel evaded boarding by abruptly changing course and fleeing into the Atlantic. Rather than abandoning the effort, US forces maintained constant tracking as the ship headed northeast towards Europe.
US P-8 maritime surveillance aircraft operating from RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom monitored the tanker for several days. Open-source flight data showed repeated sorties over the vessel as it passed near the UK coastline. This persistent surveillance ultimately enabled US forces to secure the tanker in the North Atlantic.
Russian Flag Claim and Legal Dispute
During the pursuit, the tanker’s crew painted a Russian flag on the hull and claimed the vessel was sailing under Russian protection. Shortly afterwards, the ship appeared on Russia’s official maritime register under a new name, Marinera. Moscow formally requested Washington to halt its pursuit, arguing that the vessel fell under Russian jurisdiction.
US officials rejected that claim. According to sources familiar with the matter, Washington considers the tanker effectively stateless and does not recognise the sudden change in registration. As a result, US authorities proceeded with the seizure despite diplomatic objections.
Military Assets Positioned Ahead of Seizure
In the days leading up to the operation, the United States repositioned significant military assets to the UK. At least a dozen US C-17 transport aircraft landed at RAF Fairford and RAF Lakenheath between January 3 and 5. In addition, V-22 Ospreys and AC-130 gunships were observed operating from RAF Mildenhall.
Flight tracking data also showed aerial refuelling tankers operating over the North Atlantic, indicating preparations for an extended maritime interdiction. US officials have not disclosed operational details, but the scale of deployment underscored Washington’s determination to enforce sanctions.
US Acts Ahead of Russian Naval Intervention
Russian authorities had reportedly deployed naval assets, including a submarine, in an attempt to assert protection over the tanker Bella after it claimed Russian registry. However, according to sources familiar with the operation, the assistance failed to reach the vessel in time. US forces moved swiftly to secure control of the tanker while it was still in the North Atlantic, leaving no window for Russian intervention. The rapid interception underscored Washington’s operational readiness and its determination to enforce sanctions despite Moscow’s objections.
Part of a Broader Venezuela Oil Blockade
The seizure of Bella aligns with President Donald Trump’s announcement last month of a “complete blockade” on sanctioned oil tankers attempting to enter or leave Venezuela. The policy aims to cut off the Maduro regime’s primary revenue stream and increase leverage over the country’s interim leadership.
On December 11, US forces supported the Coast Guard in seizing another large crude carrier, Skipper, near Venezuela’s coast. That vessel was accused of falsely flying Guyana’s flag while transporting illicit oil. The Bella operation represents at least the third major interdiction under the expanded blockade.
International Reactions and Escalating Tensions
Russia has condemned the seizure as excessive and unlawful, arguing that the tanker was operating in international waters and complied with maritime regulations. Russian media described the action as an attempted “hijacking”, although US officials have dismissed those claims.
The White House has declined to comment publicly. However, analysts note that the operation signals a willingness by Washington to confront not only Venezuela’s shadow oil trade but also states accused of facilitating sanctions evasion.
According to Reuters, the seizure reflects a broader effort to disrupt complex shipping networks used to move sanctioned oil through false flags and opaque ownership structures. The agency has previously reported on similar tactics employed by vessels linked to Venezuela and Iran.
What the Bella Seizure Signals Next
US officials have indicated that additional interceptions may follow. Several other sanctioned tankers are reportedly being tracked as they attempt to evade enforcement. Future operations could further strain relations with Russia and complicate maritime security in the Atlantic.
For now, the seizure of Bella stands as one of the most high-profile demonstrations of Washington’s willingness to project power far beyond its immediate waters to enforce sanctions. As the blockade tightens, global shipping operators are being warned that attempts to disguise ownership or flag status will not guarantee safe passage.
