A Russian oil tanker seized by the U.S. Coast Guard [U.S. European Command X. AFP=Yonhap News]

The United States seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the North Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and the United Kingdom on January 7 (local time), mobilizing military power.

The U.S. European Command (EUCOM) announced on X (formerly Twitter) the same day, "The U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the Department of War (Department of Defense), announced the seizure of the Bella 1 for violating U.S. sanctions."

It added that the vessel "was seized in the North Atlantic under a U.S. federal court warrant following pursuit by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Munro."

According to Reuters and The New York Times (NYT), the U.S. had been tracking the oil tanker for over two weeks, as it evaded boarding attempts by the U.S. Coast Guard on January 21.

The oil tanker departed from Iran and was intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard while attempting to enter Venezuela to load Venezuelan crude oil. Subsequently, it painted a Russian flag on its hull, registered as Russian, and changed its name to 'Marinera'.

This seizure is part of an ongoing effort by the U.S. to sanction companies and vessels involved in Venezuela's oil trade, and to seize oil tankers belonging to the 'shadow fleet' that are illegally loading or attempting to load crude oil from Venezuela.

The Bella 1, seized in this operation, also belongs to the 'shadow fleet,' a group of vessels that illegally transport Russian, Iranian, and Venezuelan oil in violation of international sanctions. The shadow fleet is also referred to as the 'ghost fleet' or 'dark fleet'.

The U.S. has been conducting oil tanker seizure operations since President Donald Trump ordered a complete blockade of sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela.

Reuters reported, citing anonymous U.S. officials, that Russian warships, including submarines, were in the vicinity at the time of the seizure, but their distance from the operation site was unclear.

Previously, Russia had also requested the U.S. to cease its pursuit through diplomatic channels while the U.S. continued its tracking.

In this regard, Reuters noted that it "could escalate tensions with Russia," and NYT also pointed out that it "deepens the confrontation between the two countries."

Separately, the U.S. Southern Command stated on X, "Through an operation conducted earlier today, the Department of War, in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, seized a stateless dark fleet oil tanker subject to sanctions."

The NYT reported that the vessel's name was 'Sophia' and it was flying the flag of Cameroon.