ISTANBUL

US forces announced Wednesday the seizure of Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, previously known as M/V Bella 1, in the North Atlantic Ocean for “violations of U.S. sanctions.”

The US Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Defense coordinated the seizure, the agency said via US social media company X.

The operation was conducted "pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC (United States Coast Guard Cutter) Munro," it added.

"The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in full effect — anywhere in the world," Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said.

The statement said the operation was part of US President Donald Trump's targeting of ships that “threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere.” It comes amid US efforts to enforce sanctions against oil shipments.

Crew to face US investigation

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the tanker was considered part of Venezuela’s "shadow fleet" and was transporting oil subject to US sanctions.

She told reporters the vessel was deemed "stateless" after sailing under a "false flag" and was subject to a judicial seizure order, which she said formed the legal basis for US action.

"That means the crew is now subject to prosecution for any applicable violation of federal law, and they will be brought to the United States for such prosecution if necessary," Leavitt added.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi said that “despite frantic efforts to avoid apprehension,” US forces were able to seize the vessel “safely.” She added that the ship's crew members were “under full investigation” for failing to comply with US Coast Guard orders and that “criminal charges will be pursued against all culpable actors.”

Her remarks came after Russia demanded assurances on the treatment of its nationals on board the ship.

Bondi said the Department of Justice was monitoring other vessels for similar actions and warned that those failing to comply with US forces' instructions would face innvestigation and prosecution.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said both Bella 1 and Sophia, a separate tanker the US apprehended Wednesday, “were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it.”

“The world’s criminals are on notice. You can run, but you can’t hide,” Noem said, calling Bella 1’s change of flag and name “a desperate and failed attempt.”

Russia deployed escort

The US deployed P-8 Poseidon aircraft and AC-130J gunships to assist in the operation, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The tanker had initially resisted a Coast Guard boarding attempt near Venezuela in December, before going dark by turning off its Automatic Identification System, changing its name, and reregistering under the Russian flag.

Moscow responded by deploying a submarine and other naval assets to escort the vessel, according to CBS News.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the ship was “sailing in the international waters of the North Atlantic under the state flag of the Russian Federation and in full compliance with the norms of international maritime law,” warning that it was receiving “clearly disproportionate attention.”

Washington sanctioned the vessel in 2024 for alleged involvement in illicit oil transport linked to Iranian crude and other blacklisted entities. The ship was heading to load cargo in Venezuela when Coast Guard forces attempted to board it, but the crew executed a sharp U-turn and fled into the Atlantic Ocean.

Venezuela has condemned US actions as "international piracy."

The operation comes days after the US conducted a military operation in Venezuela to capture President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.