The United States Coast Guard is reportedly awaiting military reinforcements to seize an oil tanker linked to Venezuela, which it has been pursuing since Sunday, DZWatch has learned. The vessel, identified as the ‘Bella 1,’ is allegedly refusing to allow US Coast Guard personnel to board, complicating efforts to take control.
According to sources, the situation may require the intervention of specialized US Navy teams trained in conducting aerial assaults and control operations in challenging environments. The Coast Guard possesses the legal authority to raid and seize ships subject to US sanctions.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that specialized teams currently aboard the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier are located too far from the ‘Bella 1’ to provide immediate assistance. This distance may be contributing to the delay in the seizure operation or potentially prompting a reassessment of the operation’s feasibility.
The US Coast Guard recently seized two oil tankers in the Caribbean Sea. Since Sunday, it has been tracking the ‘Bella 1,’ which Washington alleges is part of a “shadow fleet” used by Venezuela to circumvent sanctions.
Last week, former President Donald Trump announced a comprehensive ban on all oil tankers “subject to sanctions entering or leaving Venezuela” via his social media platform. Trump justified the move by claiming that Venezuela had stolen oil, land, and other assets from the United States, which he said must be recovered.
He further stated that oil tankers seized by US forces off the coast of Venezuela would remain in US possession. The Venezuelan government has condemned these statements, describing them as a “flagrant threat” and a serious violation of international law.
Venezuela nationalized its oil fields nearly two decades ago, impacting foreign companies, particularly American ones, and leading to disputes over compensation payments. The situation remains tense as the US continues its enforcement efforts in the region. DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing story.
