Venezuela Oil Tanker Escapes U.S. Surveillance: Russia Deploys Submarine to Assist

In a dramatic turn of events, a Venezuelan oil tanker managed to escape the U.S. Coast Guard’s watch by deploying a series of covert tactics. The vessel, named Bela 1, which is part of a fleet known as the “Dark Fleet,” evaded detection by painting a Russian flag on its hull, changing its name to Marinera, and registering itself under a Russian banner.

According to intelligence reports from the maritime analytics firm Windward, after evading the U.S. Coast Guard in December, the tanker was spotted near Ireland, triggering international concern. The U.S., along with the U.K., France, and Ireland, is said to be monitoring the vessel closely from the air.

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported that Russia has taken aggressive measures to ensure the tanker reaches its waters safely. Moscow has reportedly deployed a submarine and additional naval assets to assist the Bela 1. This intervention has raised the likelihood of escalating tensions between the U.S. and Russia over the issue.

A video posted by Russia’s state news agency, RT, shows the vessel in question being pursued by a U.S. Coast Guard cutter. The Bela 1’s audacious escape follows a string of similar maneuvers by vessels involved in Venezuelan oil trade, which has been increasingly targeted by U.S. sanctions.

According to Windward, the Bela 1 made its escape across the Atlantic Ocean by altering its ship markings and shifting its registration. The tanker was reportedly tracked by U.S. surveillance planes, with recent reports suggesting it is now roughly 230 miles off the coast of Ireland under the watchful eye of the U.S. military.

While this incident has sparked a military standoff, analysts fear that Russia’s active involvement could lead to a serious geopolitical conflict if not handled carefully. The ongoing U.S. efforts to curb Venezuelan oil shipments have led to rising tensions, and with Moscow’s intervention, the situation could escalate further.