The United States said it will strictly enforce sanctions against vessels linked to Venezuela after its forces seized two oil tankers on Wednesday, accusing them of carrying sanctioned crude and engaging in illicit activity.
US officials said the tanker Sophia was boarded in the Caribbean, while Bella 1 was seized in the North Atlantic after evading a Coast Guard boarding attempt last month. Washington alleged that Bella 1 was transporting sanctioned oil, briefly flew a Russian flag to avoid interception and was part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.” The United Kingdom assisted the US in the North Atlantic operation.
The Trump administration said the seizures reflect its determination to crack down on sanctions violations involving Venezuelan oil, warning that similar enforcement actions would continue. US officials added that crew members of both tankers will face criminal charges for failing to comply with Coast Guard orders.
Russia condemned the seizure, calling it “piracy,” and accused Washington of acting unlawfully in international waters.
The tankers were allegedly linked to Venezuela’s sanctioned oil trade, which the US says helps finance regimes under international sanctions.
