US military seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela

Maritime standoff

A standoff is occurring in the North Atlantic after U.S. forces seized a Russian-flagged tanker linked to Venezuela. US operation

U.S. authorities assert that the operation is part of efforts to enforce sanctions against Venezuela. Tanker identity changes

The vessel in question, formerly known as the Bella 1, reportedly evaded a previous U.S. blockade, refused Coast Guard boarding near Venezuela, and then altered its identity.