WASHINGTON: An aging, rusting, empty Russian-flagged Venezuela oil tanker Marinera/originally known as Bella-1 has been seized by US with support from Royal Air Force on Wednesday (7th January, 2026).
It may be recalled that back in 2024 Bella 1 was sanctioned for operating as part of ghost fleet of tankers carrying Iranian oil. This is the first time in the recent past that US has seized a Russian-flagged tanker. It is pertinent to mention here that Marinera/Bella-1, had previously dodged a US maritime blockade of sanctioned tankers in the Caribbean.
According to records, in the past Marinera/Bella-1 had been carrying Venezuelan crude. Russia, that had deployed a submarine and a number of other ships to escort the tanker across the Atlantic, resorted to diplomatically protest American move by means of a demarche, instead of using firepower.
US European command took to the X to proclaim: “The Justice department and DHS gov, in coordination with the Dept. of War today (7 Jan) announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violations of US sanctions. The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro”. Replying to the post US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated: “The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT — anywhere in the world.”
SHADOW/GHOST FLEET OF OIL TANKERS: Middle-Eastern oil-rich countries are helping Russia sell its oil, despite US sanctions, by means of a Shadow/Ghost Fleet. According to details the American forces, that were attempting to seize Bella-1/Marinera for the last couple of weeks, succeeded in boarding with UK Royal Navy’s logistical assistance by air and sea. Two shadow/ghost fleet tankers (associated with Venezuelan oil exports) have been seized in consecutive operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean.
It may be recalled that President Donald Trump on 3rd Jan, 2025 had said that US would run Venezuela until transition and US Oil Companies would go in. Earlier, Donald Trump took to the Social Media platform to proclaim that: “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured (from Caracas) and flown out of the Country”.
Following the capture of Maduro & épouse, United States announced criminal (drug, terrorism) charges against them. According to Attorney General Pam Bondi they have been indicted in the Southern District of New York: “Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.”
Russian Ministry of Foreign Affaires, while terming the development “an unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of an independent state” held that Moscow was extremely concerned apropos nabbing of Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife : “In the current situation, it is important … to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a way out of the situation through dialogue…
“Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, military intervention from outside…We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our support for its leadership’s policy of defending the country’s national interests and sovereignty.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated: “I want to establish the facts first. I want to speak to President Trump. I want to speak to allies. I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved … and I always say and believe we should all uphold international law,” he said in a statement to British broadcasters.“
58-year-old María Coria Machado dedicated the Nobel Peace prize to US President saying the people of Venezuela counted on Donald Trump…to achieve Freedom and Democracy. It may be recalled that she had been awarded the prize on 10th Oct, 2025 for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.
Taking to X María Coria Machado stated: “This recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to conclude our task: to conquer Freedom. We are on the threshold of victory and today, more than ever, we count on President Trump, the people of the United States, and the democratic nations of the world as our principal allies to achieve Freedom and democracy. I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support for our cause!”
Newspakistan.tv
