Core Points - The US has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker, previously known as the Bella 1 and now called the Marinera, which has links to Venezuela [1] - The seizure occurred in the North Atlantic, with US forces boarding the tanker while it was traveling north [2] - The tanker was sanctioned by the US in 2024 for allegedly smuggling cargo for a company linked to Hezbollah [3] Seizure Details - The US pursued the tanker for two weeks after it evaded a maritime blockade around Venezuela [3] - The US Coast Guard initially attempted to intercept the vessel last month, but it refused to be boarded [3] - The tanker was registered under a Russian flag at the time of seizure, having previously sailed under a Guyana flag [3] Russia's Response - Russia's foreign ministry claimed the tanker was in international waters and operating under international maritime law [5] - The ministry called on Western countries to respect the vessel's right to freedom of navigation [5] Context of the Seizure - This incident follows a US special forces operation to capture Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro, for prosecution on drug trafficking charges [8] - The seizure is part of a broader campaign by the US Coast Guard to apply pressure on Venezuela [8]