US forces have conducted a raid on the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera. Despite efforts by Vladimir Putin to safeguard the vessel, it is now under US control, according to an American official speaking to NBC News. Law enforcement officials from the US, led by Homeland Security, are currently present on the tanker.
The US European Command has announced that the US Department of Justice and Homeland Security have seized the M/V Bella 1 for breaching US sanctions. The vessel was apprehended in the North Atlantic with the assistance of USCGC Munro following a warrant issued by a US federal court.
Downing Street has declined to address rumors that Donald Trump has successfully taken possession of the tanker, which is reportedly en route to the UK. British authorities have refrained from commenting on speculations or the potential utilization of British military bases by third parties.
President Trump had previously declared a “blockade” on sanctioned oil tankers entering and exiting Venezuela, a move criticized by the Maduro government as “theft.” The Marinera, flying the Russian flag, was on a voyage between Scotland and Iceland after evading interception near Venezuela.
This recent operation to board the Marinera by US forces comes after an initial failed attempt last month in the Caribbean. The US Coast Guard had a warrant to seize the vessel for allegedly violating sanctions and transporting Iranian oil.
According to a Russian news source, a helicopter was reportedly trying to land American military personnel on the Venezuelan-linked oil tanker Marinera with a Russian submarine providing escort during the US operation.
The operation involved P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft and an AC-130J bomber. Tracking data indicates that the Marinera abruptly altered course southward at 11:26 UTC, reducing speed from 9 knots to 8 knots.
The vessel, formerly named Bella 1 and currently empty, typically transported Venezuelan crude oil. On Wednesday, the tanker seemed to be navigating northeast between Iceland and the UK.
Flight monitoring sites showed US special operations aircraft landing in Scotland before proceeding north toward Iceland today. The U-28A aircraft, utilized by the US Air Force’s special operations command for intelligence gathering and coordinating with other aircraft, were observed in the vicinity alongside P8 Poseidon submarine-hunting aircraft and KC-135 refueling planes.
Additionally, on Tuesday, an RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft was spotted flying in the vicinity of the tanker.