US ‘secures’ Venezuela-linked tanker after Atlantic pursuit: live updates
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
The United States has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic after a dramatic weeks‑long pursuit, officials confirmed. The operation, led by the Department of Homeland Security with military support, marks a new flashpoint in Washington’s confrontation with Moscow over Venezuela’s sanctioned oil trade.
What To Know
- The vessel, formerly known as Bella 1 and now Marinera , has been pursued since December.
- The U.S. Coast Guard first attempted to board the tanker off the coast of Venezuela last month.
- Russian naval assets, including a submarine, were reported near the ship during the chase.
- The Kremlin criticized what it called “disproportionate” U.S. attention on the vessel.
- The seizure follows Trump’s announcement that Venezuela will transfer up to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S.
- Several other sanctioned tankers have recently re‑flagged under the Russian flag, raising further tensions.
- The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday it was monitoring the situation “with concern,” according to WSJ .
- President Donald Trump said Venezuela’s interim authorities will sell 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States at market prices
- House Speaker Mike Johnson rejected suggestions that the U.S. could use military force to acquire Greenland
- Captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife faced their first court appearance in New York on Monday on drug and weapons charges
- Trump said the mission showed the U.S. has the “most fearsome” military in the world.
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The chase is over.
Wow, the US Navy captured an unarmed civilian vessel just like Somali pirates do. Bet they could beat up kids in wheelchairs, too.
Why is this a BFD? Maybe these jobs should be left to the men and women of the Coast Guard. They know what to do and how to do it.
BTW, Venezuela apparently has a market for their oil that bypasses US sanctions. That's pretty business smart. It is their oil and not Trump's oil, after all. What the hell does Trump know about the oil business?