Russia has formally requested that the United States cease its pursuit of the oil tanker Bella 1, which was initially destined for Venezuela. The diplomatic request, submitted to the State Department on New Year’s Eve, follows the vessel’s evasion of US custody for nearly two weeks and its apparent registration under a new name in Russia. The US Coast Guard’s pursuit of the tanker is part of a broader escalation of US actions against Venezuela, including military buildup and strikes, despite prior campaign promises to avoid foreign entanglements. This situation is further complicated by conflicting statements from the administration regarding the primary goals of these actions.
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Russia’s request for the U.S. to cease pursuit of the oil tanker, currently evading the U.S. Coast Guard, immediately raises questions, doesn’t it? It’s the kind of situation that practically screams for investigation. What’s aboard that tanker? That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? The fact that Russia is intervening in this way is certainly…telling. It’s difficult not to be skeptical about the whole affair.
We’ve been hearing pleas for Russia to halt its aggression in Ukraine for what feels like an eternity. And what’s been their response? More bombs, apparently. So, when Russia makes a request like this, it’s hard to take it at face value.… Continue reading
Reuters Exclusive: US Coast Guard lacks forces to seize Venezuela-linked tanker for now, sources say. This headline, like a cold splash of reality, immediately brings up questions – a lot of them. It makes you wonder how the US Coast Guard, a vital branch of our nation’s security, finds itself in this position.
The crux of the matter appears to be a lack of available resources to seize a tanker. That immediately leads to thoughts of logistical challenges. It’s a complex dance involving ships, personnel, jurisdiction, and the often-murky waters of international law. The fact that this tanker is linked to Venezuela adds another layer of complexity, considering existing sanctions and geopolitical tensions.… Continue reading
US Interdicting, Seizing Vessel Off Venezuelan Coast, Officials Say
The story, in a nutshell, is this: The United States is at it again, interdicting and seizing a vessel off the coast of Venezuela. Officials have confirmed this, and it seems to be part of a broader strategy, involving the U.S. Coast Guard and a general regional military buildup. This isn’t a one-off; it’s the second time in recent weeks this has happened, and it directly follows an order from, well, let’s just say “a former president” for a “total and complete blockade” of oil tankers heading in and out of Venezuela.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood