‘Full-on naval showdown’: U.S. forces seize TWO ‘ghost fleet’ tanker ships in North Atlantic and Caribbean
U.S. Armed Forces seized two “ghost fleet” tanker ships Wednesday morning, one in the Caribbean Sea and the other in the North Atlantic, which was under escort by Russian warships.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on X: “In two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously coordinated boarding of two ‘ghost fleet’ tanker ships – one in the North Atlantic Sea and one in international waters near the Caribbean. Both vessels – the Motor Tanker Bella I and the Motor Taker Sophia – were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it.”
In two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously coordinated boarding of two “ghost fleet” tanker ships— one in the North Atlantic Sea and one in international waters near the Caribbean. Both vessels —the Motor Tanker Bella I and the Motor… pic.twitter.com/EZlHEtcufX
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 7, 2026
She explained: “U.S. Coast Guard tactical teams worked closely with its counterparts at the Departments of War, Department of Justice and State and used their specialized expertise to conduct these operations and conduct two safe, effective boardings within hours of each other.”
“One of these tankers, Motor Tanker Bella I, has been trying to evade the Coast Guard for weeks, even changing its flag and painting a new name on the hull while being pursued, in a desperate and failed attempt to escape justice.”
Media reports indicate the ship began flying the Russian flag and was under escort from Russian warships.
Noem continued: “The heroic crew of the USCGC Munro pursued this vessel across the high seas and through treacherous storms – keeping diligent watch, and protecting our country with the determination and patriotism that make Americans proud. These brave men and women deserve our nation’s thanks for their selfless devotion to duty.”
The @TheJusticeDept & @DHSgov, in coordination with the @DeptofWar today announced the seizure of
the M/V Bella 1 for violations of U.S. sanctions. The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro. pic.twitter.com/bm5KcCK30X— U.S. European Command (@US_EUCOM) January 7, 2026
The Wall Street Journal reported Moscow officials asked Washington to stop its attempts to catch the ship, with Russia’s Foreign Ministry saying it was monitoring the events ‘with concern,’ according to state media.
“You thought this was just about oil? It’s now a full-on naval showdown,” noted online journalist Mario Nawfal.
“We’re no longer talking about embargoes and backdoor deals, this is open confrontation on the high seas, with oil, power, and global alliances all on the line.”
U.S. TRIES TO SEIZE VENEZUELAN OIL TANKER, SO RUSSIA RESPONDS WITH A SUBMARINE
You thought this was just about oil? It’s now a full-on naval showdown.
The U.S. is actively trying to seize the Marinera, a Russian-flagged tanker (formerly Bella 1) carrying sanctioned… pic.twitter.com/5BNUO9qtmx
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 7, 2026
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced: “the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America.
“This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States! I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan, immediately. It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States.”
Wednesday morning, Trump discussed Russia, China and NATO, saying on Truth Social: “RUSSIA AND CHINA HAVE ZERO FEAR OF NATO WITHOUT THE UNITED STATES, AND I DOUBT NATO WOULD BE THERE FOR US IF WE REALLY NEEDED THEM. EVERYONE IS LUCKY THAT I REBUILT OUR MILITARY IN MY FIRST TERM, AND CONTINUE TO DO SO.
“We will always be there for NATO, even if they won’t be there for us. The only Nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT REBUILT U.S.A.”
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