Washington, Jan 8 (NationPress) The United States has confirmed the confiscation of two vessels through distinct operations conducted in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. This includes a Russian-linked tanker and a stateless “dark fleet” ship, as the US ramps up efforts to enforce sanctions aimed at curbing illicit oil trafficking in the Western Hemisphere.

On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, collaborating with the Department of War, seized the tanker M/V Bella 1 in the North Atlantic under a US federal court warrant.

“You’re referring to the Bella 1 tanker that was taken this morning,” Leavitt informed reporters. “The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Department of War, revealed this seizure this morning due to violations of US sanctions.”

According to administration officials, the vessel was intercepted after being tracked by the US Coast Guard cutter Munro. “The seizure occurred in the North Atlantic Ocean following the issuance of a warrant by a US federal court after being monitored by the USCGC Munro,” a statement noted.

Authorities indicated that this action was executed under a presidential directive targeting vessels operating outside international regulations. “This seizure directly supports the Presidential Proclamation aimed at vessels under sanctions that jeopardize the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere,” the statement added.

Leavitt remarked that the Bella 1 was identified by US officials as part of a Venezuelan “shadow fleet” engaged in transporting sanctioned oil, asserting, “This administration will not tolerate such actions.” She added that the vessel was under a judicial seizure order and that the crew would face prosecution for any applicable federal law violations.

In a separate operation conducted in the early morning, US officials also detained another tanker, the M/T Sophia, in the Caribbean Sea. The Department of War characterized this action as part of a broader military-led initiative to disrupt illicit maritime operations.

“In an early morning operation today, the Department of War, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident,” the Department of War stated.

The report clarified that the vessel was operating outside the jurisdiction of any nation. “The intercepted vessel, M/T Sophia, was functioning in international waters and engaging in illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea,” it mentioned.

The Coast Guard is currently transporting the vessel to US shores for final processing, the statement confirmed.

Leavitt emphasized that this operation highlighted the administration’s dedication to enforcing sanctions and enhancing regional security.

“Through Operation Southern Spear, the Department of War remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate illicit activities in the Western Hemisphere,” the statement regarding the Bella 1 seizure concluded.

When questioned about the potential escalation of tensions with Moscow due to the seizure of a Russian-linked vessel, Leavitt stated that the action was strictly focused on enforcing sanctions. “Regarding these ship seizures, it’s about enforcing the embargo against all dark fleet vessels illegally transporting oil,” she said, noting, “Only legitimate commerce is allowed.”

US officials have pointed out that stateless vessels, or those operating under false or rapidly changing flags, are often used to evade sanctions. The administration has contended that stricter interdictions are crucial to blocking illicit revenue streams and upholding US sanctions.

The recent seizures occur as Washington increases pressure on networks transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil through international waters. The US has affirmed its commitment to continue utilizing judicial warrants, Coast Guard tracking, and interagency coordination to intercept vessels it suspects of operating in violation of US laws and presidential proclamations.