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The US Coast Guard cutter Munro escorting Marinera, the oil tanker formerly known as the Bella-1, in North Atlantic waters. The United States on Wednesday seized the Russia-linked oil tanker in the North Atlantic after pursuing it from off the coast of Venezuela, in an operation condemned by Moscow. AFP
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Firstpost•08-01-2026, 09:25

US Seizes Russian-Flagged Tanker Marinera, Escalating Tensions with Moscow

  • •The US seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic, alleging sanctions violations and illicit activities linked to Russia, Iran, and Venezuela.
  • •The Marinera, formerly Bella 1, was tracked from Venezuela and had previously evaded capture, changing its name and flag to avoid detection.
  • •A joint US-UK military operation, involving special forces and various aircraft, successfully boarded and seized the vessel after a two-week chase.
  • •Russia condemned the seizure as "outright piracy" and a violation of maritime law, demanding the return of its citizens and suggesting forceful retaliation.
  • •The incident is expected to further heighten US-Russia tensions, expose Russian vulnerabilities, and potentially influence the Ukraine peace deal.

Why It Matters: US seizure of the Marinera tanker intensifies US-Russia friction, highlighting global sanction enforcement.

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