British armed forces, in collaboration with the US, assisted in the operation to seize an oil tanker known as the ‘ghost fleet’ earlier today. The UK Ministry of Defence disclosed that resources such as RAF surveillance and the RFA Tideforce support vessel played a role in supporting the US-led mission.
In a pre-dawn maneuver, a tactical team from the US Coastguard boarded the Marinera tanker today, with backing from British military units, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey commended the UK Armed Forces for their competence and professionalism in aiding the successful US interception of the vessel Bella 1 en route to Russia. This operation was part of a global initiative to combat violations of sanctions.
According to Healey, the intercepted ship, previously involved in illicit activities, is linked to a Russian-Iranian network evading sanctions, which contributes to terrorism, conflict, and suffering from the Middle East to Ukraine.
Simultaneously, a recent video surfaced showing US troops boarding an oil tanker, with Kristi Noem confirming that it was one of two vessels seized by the US on the same day.
The video released by US Homeland Security features the US Coast Guard’s ‘tactical team’ descending onto the tanker’s deck from a helicopter. Noem’s accompanying statement mentioned the meticulously coordinated operations conducted by the Coast Guard on the ‘ghost fleet’ tankers.
Reports indicate that the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, previously named Bella-1, is now under US control following the daring nighttime operation. Additionally, a Russian submarine and other vessels were reportedly monitoring the tanker’s movements.
Noem also verified a second raid on another oil tanker, the Sophia, in the Caribbean shortly after the initial operation. Both vessels were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it, according to Noem.
The US Department of Justice and Homeland Security announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violating US sanctions. The vessel was apprehended in the North Atlantic following monitoring by USCGC Munro.
In her statement, Noem praised President Trump’s leadership and the collaborative efforts of various US government branches in executing safe and efficient boardings of the tankers.
The Venezuelan-associated vessel, previously known as Bella-1, was captured by US forces with assistance from UK military units as it traveled through waters near Scotland. An emergency statement regarding the seizure of the Marinera tanker is anticipated in the Commons this evening.
