FAFO: US Seizes Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker In North Atlantic

This post was republished with permission from Zero Hedge

U.S. European Command (EUCOM) confirmed on X that the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of Defense, seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera (formerly Bella 1) for violating U.S. sanctions.

BREAKING: U.S. forces have SEIZED a sanctioned Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic.

Russia reportedly deployed a submarine and other vessels to escort the tanker — but the U.S. military arrived first.

“U.S. Forces boarding and attempting to seize a sanctioned oil… pic.twitter.com/HpBCNuhUtK

— Overton (@overton_news) January 7, 2026

“The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by the USCGC Munro,” EUCOM said.

The @TheJusticeDept & @DHSgov, in coordination with the @DeptofWar today announced the seizure of
the M/V Bella 1 for violations of U.S. sanctions. The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro. pic.twitter.com/bm5KcCK30X

— U.S. European Command (@US_EUCOM) January 7, 2026

EUCOM continued…

pic.twitter.com/E0hii3A6Zo

— U.S. European Command (@US_EUCOM) January 7, 2026

NBC News reports that the U.S. Special Forces operation in the North Atlantic to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker, the Marinera (formerly Bella 1), was successful.

? BREAKING: DHS releases BAD*SS FOOTAGE of US personnel boarding sanctioned oil tankers via helicopter in BOTH the North Atlantic and Caribbean, each tied to Venezuela and our adversaries

Pure strength.

SEC. NOEM: "Both vessels —the Motor Tanker Bella I and the Motor Taker… pic.twitter.com/CNW9To0od1

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 7, 2026

U.S. officials told the outlet that the Marinera “has been secured” following a dramatic, weeks-long chase on the high seas.

The U.S. seized two oil tankers off the coast of Venezuela last month as part of President Trump’s gunboat diplomacy. But why would a U.S. Coast Guard cutter and surveillance planes chase an empty, rusted, Russian-flagged tanker across the Atlantic unless there was potentially something far more valuable on board?

The Russian outlet RT News has posted footage that appears to show U.S. military forces attempting to board the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera early Wednesday morning in the North Atlantic.

?? Military forces, presumably American, are attempting to board Russian-flagged civilian tanker 'Marinera' RIGHT NOW — RT source

RT has obtained first exclusive visual confirmation of the boarding attempt https://t.co/lWf62lN7hH pic.twitter.com/rn9xfLmNxi

— RT (@RT_com) January 7, 2026

From like an hour ago or more, as the Americans got into position to attempt boarding.

A massive swarm of RAF jets were patrolling around the north sea, potentially shadowing the Russian Naval fleet on route to escort it. pic.twitter.com/DxxioNbLw6

— Lee Mitchell (@Lee_Mitchell91) January 7, 2026

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