British armed forces collaborated with the US in a joint operation to seize an oil tanker known as the ‘ghost fleet’ earlier today. The UK Ministry of Defence disclosed that assets such as RAF surveillance and the RFA Tideforce support ship played a role in the mission led by the US.
The tanker, Marinera, was boarded by a tactical team from the US Coastguard during a predawn raid, with the UK military providing assistance, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey commended the UK Armed Forces for their expertise and professionalism in aiding the successful US interception of the vessel Bella 1 en route to Russia. This operation was part of a broader international initiative to combat sanctions violations.
The vessel in question, with a dubious past, is linked to a Russian-Iranian network involved in evading sanctions, contributing to conflicts and terrorism across regions from the Middle East to Ukraine.
Simultaneously, a recent video footage showcased armed US troops boarding an oil tanker, with Kristi Noem confirming that this was one of two vessels seized by the US on the same day.
According to an American official speaking to NBC News, the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera, previously known as Bella-1, is now under US control following the daring nighttime operation. Reports indicate that a Russian submarine and other ships were monitoring the tanker’s movements.
Noem also verified a second raid on another oil tanker, Sophia, in the Caribbean shortly after the initial operation. She mentioned that both vessels had ties to Venezuela, either having recently docked there or being en route.
The US Department of Justice and Homeland Security announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violating US sanctions, as detailed in a post from the European Command earlier today. This action was carried out in the North Atlantic following a warrant issued by a US federal court and coordinated by the USCGC Munro.
In a statement, Noem praised President Trump’s leadership and the collaborative efforts of various US government agencies in executing two successful boarding operations within hours of each other.
Emphasizing the perseverance of the USCGC Munro crew, Noem highlighted the challenges faced in apprehending the tanker Bella I, which attempted to evade capture by changing its flag and name. The vessel was pursued across dangerous waters before being captured by US forces with support from the UK military.
The captured Venezuelan-associated tanker, previously identified as Bella-1, was intercepted as it traversed waters between Iceland and Scotland. An emergency announcement regarding the Marinera tanker seizure is anticipated in the Commons later today.