US seizes Russian-flagged tanker near Venezuela, UK reveals support role

The United States has taken custody of a Russian-flagged oil tanker, Bella 1, after a weeks-long pursuit across the Atlantic Ocean. The operation, announced Wednesday by US European Command, involved the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of War seizing the vessel for violating sanctions. The action was carried out under a federal court warrant based on President Donald Trump's proclamation on sanctioned vessels threatening Western Hemisphere security.

Defence Minister John Healey told UK Parliament that Britain supported the US-led operation at America's request. The UK provided airborne surveillance and RFA Tideforce, but no British personnel boarded the vessel. Healey described Bella 1 as a 'stateless vessel' with links to Iran and Russia, noting it had a long history of nefarious activity. The tanker refused to comply with US warnings in December, prompting pursuit by Coast Guard vessel Munroe.

Russia has not officially responded through President Putin or senior diplomats, though the Transport Ministry declared that 'no state has the right to use force against vessels properly registered in other jurisdictions.' Moscow previously claimed ownership after the ship was renamed Marinera, dispatching a submarine and warship for escort. Russia maintained the vessel was navigating international waters 4,000km from US coastline in full compliance with maritime law.

The seizure follows the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and wife Cilia Flores in New York on January 3, where both face trial. The US also seized two Venezuelan oil tankers in December as part of its blockade. For Nigeria, this escalating US-Russia maritime confrontation could affect global oil supply chains and shipping insurance costs, potentially impacting fuel import costs and trade routes West African nations depend on. Will Nigeria adjust energy procurement strategies given these new geopolitical risks to maritime transport?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/08/putin-silent-on-us-seized-russian-flagged-tanker-as-uk-reveals-role/