On Wednesday, the Russian-flagged Marinera oil tanker was seized in the North Atlantic Sea, U.S. European Command (EUCOM) said.

“The @TheJusticeDept and @DHSgov, in coordination with @DeptofWar, today announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for ,” a post from EUCOM on X read. “The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic under a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro.”

“This seizure supports the @POTUS Proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere,” EUCOM added. “The — with support from @DeptofWar — showcases a whole-of-government approach to protect the homeland.”

had previously reported that U.S. forces were the tanker, which previously operated under the name Bella 1, in the North Atlantic earlier Wednesday morning.

This development follows a Tuesday report from the Wall Street Journal that Russia had sent a submarine and other naval assets to escort the tanker.

The vessel had spent more than two weeks U.S. enforcement efforts targeting sanctioned oil shipments near Venezuela, the outlet reported.

“The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains fully in effect — anywhere in the world,” Secretary of War said after the tanker was seized.

President announced a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or exiting Venezuela in mid-December.