US authorities have conducted an operation to seize control of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera. Despite efforts by Vladimir Putin to protect the vessel, it is now under the custody of US officials, as reported by NBC News. The US European Command has confirmed that the US Department of Justice and Homeland Security have seized the M/V Bella 1 for violating US sanctions. The vessel was apprehended in the North Atlantic with the assistance of the USCGC Munro.
Reports suggest that the tanker, now en route to the UK, was allegedly seized by Donald Trump, although Downing Street has declined to comment on these claims or on the potential use of British military bases by third parties. President Trump had previously announced a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, a move criticized by the Maduro government as “theft”. The Marinera, flying the Russian flag, was navigating between Scotland and Iceland after evading interception near Venezuela.
This recent US operation to intercept the Marinera comes after an earlier unsuccessful attempt in the Caribbean. The US Coast Guard had a warrant to seize the ship for allegedly violating sanctions and transporting Iranian oil. Russian media reported that American military personnel were being deployed onto the Marinera via helicopter, while a Russian submarine accompanied the vessel during the operation.
The operation involved surveillance aircraft like the P-8 Poseidon and an AC-130J bomber. Tracking data indicated that the Marinera altered its course abruptly, slowing down its speed. The tanker, formerly known as Bella 1 and currently empty, typically carried Venezuelan crude oil. It was observed sailing northeast between Iceland and the UK.
Flight tracking data revealed US special operations aircraft landing in Scotland before proceeding north towards Iceland. These aircraft, including U-28A, were utilized for intelligence operations and coordinating with other aircraft. Additionally, P8 Poseidon submarine-tracking planes and KC-135 refueling aircraft were observed en route to the tanker’s vicinity. An RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint surveillance plane was also spotted flying over the tanker’s trajectory on Tuesday.