美军连扣两艘油轮 美方：都是委内瑞拉“影子舰队”

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. has seized two oil tankers, "Bella 1" (renamed "Mariner") and "Sophia," for violating sanctions related to Venezuela's oil exports, highlighting ongoing tensions and enforcement of U.S. sanctions against Venezuela's government [2][3][4]. Group 1: Seizure of "Bella 1" (Mariner) - The U.S. European Command announced the seizure of the "Bella 1" oil tanker, which was reportedly flying a Russian flag, due to violations of U.S. sanctions [2]. - The operation was executed by the U.S. Coast Guard and military, with the vessel being tracked and seized in the North Atlantic under a federal court arrest warrant [2]. - The White House Press Secretary stated that the tanker is part of Venezuela's "shadow fleet" transporting sanctioned oil and is considered stateless due to flying a false flag [3]. Group 2: Seizure of "Sophia" - The U.S. Southern Command reported the interception of the "Sophia" oil tanker, identified as a stateless vessel from the "shadow fleet," while it was sailing in international waters [4]. - The U.S. Coast Guard is currently controlling the "Sophia" and is set to take it to the U.S. for further action [4]. Group 3: Context of Sanctions - The "Bella 1" was previously pursued by the U.S. Coast Guard in December 2025 and was intended to load oil in Venezuela but remained in a state of emptiness due to U.S. blockades [3]. - The U.S. government continues to enforce bans on all vessels identified as illegally transporting oil, emphasizing the significant influence and control the U.S. has over Venezuela's oil exports [5].