# Russia Deploys Navy to Protect Venezuelan Oil Tanker Pursued by US

> The US is attempting to seize a tanker linked to Venezuelan oil, sources told CBS. Formerly 'Bella 1,' now renamed 'Marinera' and reflagged as Russian, the vessel is reportedly being escorted across the Atlantic by Russ…

Published: 2026-01-08 · Desk: Latest · Source: BBC News

The US is conducting an operation to seize a tanker linked to Venezuelan oil, a source told CBS, the BBC’s US partner. The vessel, previously named Bella 1, has been renamed Marinera and reportedly reflagged from Guyanese to Russian.

Reports indicate that Russia has deployed a submarine and other vessels to escort the tanker—also being tracked by US forces—across the Atlantic.

The ship, currently located between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of violating US sanctions by transporting Iranian oil. While it has historically carried Venezuelan crude, the tanker is reportedly empty at present.

Original reporting: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7v0deypjl4o?fbclid=IwVERDUAPLagBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR4WeMPhksFzBA9cUb6zSo72NvXqvq0I1YhNL-VOFIV5e9gEMvQxkWYikCVz1w_aem_GcbbrPMfNle9yGuVrWPgSg
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