US Coast Guard Seizes Russian-Flagged Tanker in North Atlantic

• US Coast Guard seized oil tanker Bella I (renamed Marinera) in the North Atlantic.
• Operation enforces sanctions on vessels tied to Venezuela's oil trade, targeting 'shadow fleet' tankers.
• Bella I, previously sanctioned for ties to Iranian-backed groups, evaded a US blockade near Venezuela.
• Russia condemned the seizure as 'outright piracy' and a violation of maritime law.
• The seizure is part of a broader US effort to disrupt sanctioned oil trade linked to Venezuela.

Why It Matters: US Coast Guard seizes Russian-flagged tanker to enforce Venezuela oil sanctions, sparking Russian condemnation.