After a weekslong chase across the Atlantic, the U.S. took over the Bella 1 in an operation that defied Russian warnings.

The U.S. has seized a Venezuela-linked oil tanker in the North Atlantic, backed by British support. While some see it as part of unilateral American actions to take control of Venezuela and its oil, Britain says it is an example of trans-Atlantic security cooperation.

Russia formally asked the United States to halt pursuit of Venezuelan oil tanker Marinera after the vessel escaped U.S. Coast Guard interception in the Caribbean.

Two U.S. intelligence officials said Venezuelan officials had discussed placing Soviet-era defense systems and armed military personnel on tankers — disguising them as civilians for defense purposes.