US Military Seizes Russian Flagged Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuela in Dramatic High Seas Operation

In this breaking international news update, the U.S. military has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a dramatic weeks‑long high‑seas pursuit across the Atlantic. The vessel, formerly known as Bella 1 and renamed Marinera, was intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard and military forces under a federal court warrant for violating sanctions and transporting oil tied to Venezuelan interests. This unprecedented seizure marks a sharp escalation in enforcement of US sanctions, part of a broader strategy targeting the so‑called “shadow fleet” of sanctioned vessels ferrying oil for Venezuela, Russia, and allied networks. The operation involved coordinated surveillance and pursuit across international waters, with reports of evasive tactics by the tanker’s crew — including changing flags and names mid‑voyage. Russia has condemned the action, calling it a violation of maritime law and accusing the U.S. of “piracy,” while global energy markets react to heightened geopolitical tensions. Subscribe for the latest updates as this story develops, and stay informed on how this bold U.S. move impacts global oil politics, sanctions enforcement, and Venezuela’s economic future. latest news, happening now, cnn, cnn news central, venezuela, nicolas maduro, us military, president donald trump, trump administration, venezuelan government, venezuela oil, oil tanker seized, russian-flagged ship