Russia Sends Submarine to Escort Tanker the U.S. Tried to Seize Off Venezuela, WSJ Reports

Russia has deployed a submarine and other naval vessels to escort an aging oil tanker, Bella 1, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, citing a US official.

The report said the naval escort reflects heightened security measures around the tanker, though details on its destination, cargo, or the duration of the escort were not immediately disclosed.

Reuters said it could not independently verify the report.

There has been no immediate comment from Russian authorities on the reported deployment, and the circumstances prompting the escort remain unclear.

The development comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and increased scrutiny of maritime energy shipments, particularly those involving older vessels operating under challenging conditions.