US forces seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker, the Bella 1, roughly 190 miles south of Iceland after tracking showed it change course during pursuit. US Navy SEALs boarded the ship, flown in by the Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, while P‑8 surveillance aircraft and the Coast Guard Cutter Munro shadowed the vessel during its northward transit. The crew painted a Russian flag and the ship later appeared on Russia’s register as the Marinera; Russia formally protested the pursuit, but US officials treated the vessel as stateless.
Separately, US Southern Command said it seized another stateless vessel in the Caribbean for alleged illicit activity. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the actions and warned crews of sanctioned tankers they face investigation and prosecution if they ignore US orders. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump will continue enforcing an embargo on “dark fleet” vessels despite potential tensions with Russia and China
The UK provided basing, surveillance, and logistical support for the operation in the UK‑Iceland‑Greenland gap, with US military aircraft and special‑operations assets repositioned to UK bases beforehand. The seizure follows a December interdiction of another sanctioned tanker and comes amid the administration’s blockade policy aimed at pressuring Venezuela; officials say enforcement will continue as leverage over the interim Venezuelan government.
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