U.S. Captures Russia-Linked Tanker After Naval Standoff in the North Atlantic

U.S. forces have seized a Russia-flagged tanker in the North Atlantic after a dramatic pursuit that began near Venezuelan waters, marking a sharp escalation in Washington’s enforcement of its global blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil. U.S. European Command confirmed the capture of the M/V Bella 1, saying the vessel was seized for sanctions violations “pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court” after being tracked by a U.S. Coast Guard cutter. The operation concludes a weeks-long chase that began in late December…