Russia warns the U.S. to stop tracking the sanctioned Bella 1 tanker, escalating tensions amid ongoing maritime trade sanctions against Venezuela.
The U.S. Coast Guard continues to monitor the Bella 1, an oil tanker under sanctions, in international waters. Russia has issued an official warning to Washington to cease this tracking, further escalating tensions between the U.S. and Moscow.
According to American media reports, the Bella 1 is being monitored as part of operations related to oil trade sanctions targeting Venezuela. The U.S. tracking and potential seizure of the vessel are part of broader efforts to enforce these sanctions.
The tanker crew has rejected the U.S. seizure order and is sailing towards the Atlantic Ocean instead of heading to port. Reports indicate that a Russian flag has been painted on the vessel, and it has appeared under a different name in maritime records.
International law stipulates that ships are protected by their flag state, complicating tracking efforts due to the name and flag change. However, U.S. authorities emphasize that the ship was previously listed under U.S. sanctions, which informs their tracking decision.
This incident occurs during a time of intensified maritime trade sanctions against Venezuela, with the U.S. administration having conducted seizure operations against similar tankers in the past.
Source: www.denizhaber.com
