US Seizes Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker in North Atlantic Over Sanctions Violations

JANUARY 8 , 2026 (Ozi News Desk) : The U.S. military has seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic for allegedly violating American sanctions, after tracking it from the Caribbean. The vessel, formerly called Bella 1, was intercepted under a U.S. federal court warrant for sanctions breaches and is tied to efforts to block illicit Venezuelan oil shipments. U.S. European Command said the operation involved the Justice and Homeland Security Departments alongside military forces.

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The tanker had earlier attempted to evade a U.S. blockade and refused boarding by the U.S. Coast Guard, changing its name and flag during the pursuit. Shortly after, a second vessel — M/T Sophia — was also seized in the Caribbean for similar suspected illicit activities.

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Russia has condemned the capture as a violation of international maritime law.