United States Seizes Oil Tanker “Bella 1” After Days of Pursuit in the Atlantic

According to Khabaronline, According to a report by Reuters, the tanker was not carrying any oil at the time of interception but had already been listed under U.S. sanctions. Washington claims that Bella 1 was sanctioned due to transporting oil belonging to Iran and Venezuela. Sources familiar with the matter say the first attempt to stop the 300,000-ton vessel took place late Saturday, but the ship changed course and ignored U.S. Coast Guard orders, moving further into the Atlantic. It was eventually detained and brought under U.S. control.

The seizure of Bella 1 marks the third case this month involving tankers linked to Venezuela. Earlier, two other vessels — Skipper and Centuries — were intercepted in international waters over alleged sanctions violations. U.S. officials have stated that pressure on oil export channels of sanctioned countries will continue.

Venezuela, along with Iran, Russia, and China, has condemned Washington’s actions. Caracas has described the seizures as “state piracy” and a violation of international law.