U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen issued a "warning to criminals worldwide" on Wednesday, following a predawn operation by U.S. Coast Guard special teams against two "ghost fleet" oil tankers, as reported on the 7th (local time).

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) that day, Secretary Nielsen stated, "Both vessels, the oil tanker Bella 1 and the oil tanker Sofia, were last docked in Venezuela or en route to Venezuela," adding that one was "intercepted in the North Atlantic, and the other in international waters off the Caribbean."

Governor Nielsen said that these operations, conducted just hours apart, were a result of "the bold and visionary leadership of President Donald Trump." The Coast Guard teams, in close cooperation with federal agencies including the Department of Justice and the State Department, seized the oil tankers in succession.

"You can run, but you cannot hide," Governor Nielsen wrote. "We will never abandon our mission to protect the American people and to cut off funding for drug terror wherever it may be."

According to Governor Nielsen, the oil tanker Bella 1 had been evading U.S. authorities for weeks, attempting to escape. She stated that the Bella 1 even changed its flag and painted over its hull with a new name while being pursued, calling it a "desperate and failed attempt to evade justice."

Governor Nielsen reported that the crew of the USCGC Munro tracked the vessel through open seas and adverse weather, maintaining constant surveillance until the boarding operation could be executed. She praised their "determination and patriotism," stating, "Our brave sailors pursued this vessel through rough seas."

According to Governor Nielsen, the Coast Guard's seizure of the two vessels was not merely a routine interdiction. It was a powerful response and a direct blow to networks financing global drug terror and corruption.

The Department of Homeland Security did not release details on what was discovered on the ships or if any arrests were made.

U.S. European Command confirmed via a social media post that the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Munro had intercepted the Bella 1 (renamed Marineran) "pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court" after tracking it.

This boarding operation comes just days after U.S. forces conducted a nighttime raid on Venezuela's capital, Caracas, apprehending Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

"This is where our nation's finest fighting force gathers," Governor Nielsen said. "This is America First at sea."

Rep. Hong Seong-gu, U.S. NNP / Special Correspondent NNP info@newsandpost.com