The US has seized an oil tanker linked to Venezuela after tracking it across the Atlantic, according to a social media post from US European Command. Originally called the Bella 1, the tanker was sanctioned by the US in 2024 for operating within a “shadow fleet” of tankers transporting illicit oil. News of the seizure was first reported Wednesday by Reuters, which quoted two sources as saying the operation was being carried out by the Coast Guard and US military. Bondi said crews of other sanctioned tankers would face potential prosecution if they failed to “obey instructions” of the Coast Guard or other federal officials. At a briefing with key lawmakers Monday, Rubio said the US believed Russia could not just claim the tanker, according to a source familiar with the briefing.

Source: CNN January 07, 2026 14:51 UTC