Over the weekend, the U.S. Coast Guard was actively engaged in pursuing a vessel involved in Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion. This vessel, named Bella 1, was part of an ongoing effort to intercept sanctioned ships attempting to move oil illicitly.
According to a U.S. official, the tanker was not carrying any cargo and was instead headed to retrieve oil when authorities attempted to board the vessel. However, upon sighting U.S. Coast Guard forces, the Bella 1 fled into the Atlantic Ocean, flying a false flag that granted the Coast Guard jurisdiction to act.
The Bella 1 was under a judicial seizure order, meaning U.S. authorities had the legal right to seize the vessel. The Coast Guard’s pursuit was part of its ongoing efforts to tackle illegal oil shipments, which are often used to fund criminal organizations.
What Happened to the Bella 1 Tanker?
The Bella 1 was trying to evade detection and interception by sailing under a false flag. This ship had no cargo onboard but was heading to pick up oil, likely as part of Venezuela’s efforts to circumvent sanctions. When the U.S. authorities tried to board, the vessel fled, prompting the Coast Guard to pursue it in the Atlantic Ocean.
The ship was reported to have been attempting to avoid international detection, but due to the false flag under which it was operating, the Coast Guard had full jurisdiction to take action. The vessel’s false flag made it an illegal target for U.S. seizure efforts.
U.S. Coast Guard Actions and Background
The U.S. Coast Guard’s pursuit of the Bella 1 comes just days after another sanctioned oil tanker was intercepted off the coast of Venezuela. However, this tanker was not on any of the official sanction lists of the U.S., EU, U.K., or U.N., as confirmed by Kpler, a transportation and logistics data firm. This makes the Bella 1 incident unique, as it involves a tanker that is not directly listed on any global sanctions lists.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the Coast Guard operation, detailing that it occurred in the early morning hours. The tanker was intercepted with assistance from the Department of Defense, and it had recently made port in Venezuela.
Noem stated on social media that the U.S. would continue efforts to disrupt illicit oil movements, which are often tied to funding narco-terrorism. The message from Noem was clear: “We will find you, and we will stop you.”
Tensions with Venezuela and Trump’s Threats
The events surrounding the Bella 1 tanker come amid increased tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. Recently, former President Donald Trump threatened to impose a full blockade on all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela. This could significantly damage Venezuela’s economy, as oil exports are the main source of revenue for the regime of President Nicolás Maduro.
In response to Trump’s threat, Maduro vowed to continue oil trade, asserting that the U.S. would not succeed in its attempts to bring about regime change. He strongly rejected the idea of Venezuela becoming a colony or subject to foreign interference.
Pentagon’s Involvement and the Caribbean Military Build-up
In support of its anti-sanctions efforts, the U.S. Pentagon has increased its military presence in the Caribbean to an unprecedented level, bringing in the world’s largest aircraft carrier. This military buildup is part of a broader strategy to disrupt Venezuelan oil shipments and curb the activities of those attempting to evade sanctions.
Additionally, the U.S. military has launched strikes against several drug boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. These operations have resulted in at least 100 deaths, though the Pentagon has yet to provide concrete evidence that these boats were carrying illegal substances.
The U.S. Coast Guard’s pursuit of the Bella 1 tanker highlights the ongoing conflict surrounding Venezuela’s sanctioned oil shipments. With the backing of the Department of Defense, the Coast Guard’s operations aim to stop the illegal flow of oil that is used to fund narco-terrorism and support regimes that defy international law. The Bella 1 incident is part of a broader strategy that could see the U.S. impose even stricter measures, including the threat of a total oil blockade against Venezuela.
