The U.S.-blacklisted tanker Bella 1, intercepted by U.S. forces near Venezuela, has a complex sanctions history linked to terrorist financing operations in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, according to U.S. Treasury records. This vessel was reportedly on its way to Venezuela to load oil when it was seized, marking the third U.S. interdiction in less than two weeks. This escalation in maritime enforcement, part of the Trump administration’s strategy against the Maduro government, follows the similar boarding of the Centuries and Skipper.
Shipping records indicate Bella 1 was previously registered in Panama but its current flag is listed as “unknown.” Unlike the Centuries, which is not on U.S. sanctions lists, Bella 1 has a detailed record. It was tied to Panama-based Louis Marine Shipholding Enterprises S.A., designated for transporting sanctioned cargo for Hizballah-affiliated companies and financially supporting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps–Qods Force. Both Bella 1 and the Janet, owned by Lainey Shipping Limited, were labeled as blocked property under legal frameworks aimed at disrupting terrorist financing.
The recent U.S. actions are part of broader sanctions against entities linked to Houthi financial networks, which have disrupted global shipping through drone and missile attacks. The ongoing U.S. efforts aim to diminish the Houthis’ capabilities and target those facilitating their operations. Maritime tracking service TankerTrackers.com emphasized the significance of the Bella 1 interdiction, highlighting its previous contributions to Iranian and Venezuelan oil exports.
In response, Venezuelan officials condemned the U.S. actions, labeling them "piracy." Meanwhile, the White House has yet to comment publicly on the recent interdiction.
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