US Seizes Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker After Weeks-Long High-Seas Chase

The United States seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic on Wednesday, ending a dramatic weekslong pursuit that began off the coast of Venezuela.

U.S. European Command confirmed the vessel has been secured. The Department of Homeland Security is leading the operation with support from the U.S. military.

The tanker, which recently changed its name from Bella One to Marinera, was first pursued by the Coast Guard off Venezuela last month. It's one of several sanctioned oil tankers operating near the country that have recently switched their flags to Russia—a move that's created friction between Washington and Moscow amid the Trump administration's blockade of Venezuelan oil shipments.

The Kremlin, a strong backer of the Maduro regime, criticized what it called "disproportionate" U.S. attention on the vessel.

The seizure follows a broader enforcement push. The U.S. captured two other oil tankers off Venezuela last month as part of its effort to cut off sanctioned oil flows to and from the country.

Venezuela's vast oil reserves have become central to the administration's regional strategy. President Trump said Tuesday that Venezuela would hand over 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States—a deal that's emerged as a point of tension with both Russia and China, who have maintained close ties with Caracas.