U.S. captures Russia-linked tanker after naval standoff in the North Atlantic
January 7, 2026
(Oil Price) – U.S. forces have seized a Russia-flagged tanker in the North Atlantic after a dramatic pursuit that began near Venezuelan waters, marking a sharp escalation in Washington’s enforcement of its global blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil. U.S. European Command confirmed the capture of the M/V Bella 1, saying the vessel was seized for sanctions violations “pursuant to a warrant issued by a
