The US Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security announced the detention of the Russian tanker Bella 1 (Marinera) for violating international sanctions.
Operation Details
On January 7, US military personnel conducted a special interception operation near the coast of Venezuela. During the detention, Russian military vessels, including a submarine, were nearby.
Official Comments
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated: "The Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security announced the seizure of the vessel for violating US sanctions".
UK Defense Minister John Healey confirmed support for the US in this operation, calling the tanker part of a "Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion".
Russia's Reaction
The Russian Ministry of Transport stated there were no grounds for detaining the vessel and sent a diplomatic protest to the United States.
