The United States hijacked Russian oil tanker in the North Atlantic

Published at: 07/01/2026 10:37 AM

The United States European Command reported that the vessel, identified as M/V Bella 1 from Russia, was intercepted in coordination with the Department of Justice and Homeland Security, as part of the sanctions applied by Washington against interests linked to Moscow.

The operation, led by USCGC Munro after several days of monitoring, was carried out with the participation of several U.S. agencies with international competence, RDN Venezuela reported.

Experts warn that the hijacking of the ship may aggravate the diplomatic conflict between the two governments, with possible repercussions on energy trade and maritime routes.

Naval sector bodies point out that the procedure may set a precedent for future actions against ships subject to restrictive measures imposed by Western countries.

The seizure of both ships is in addition to U.S. operations against ships linked to energy trade with Russia and Venezuela, actions that several international actors have described as warmongering and interventionist practices that expand Washington's extraterritorial pressure in the Caribbean and the North Atlantic.

Mazo News Team