American special forces have utilized a small airfield in the remote north of Scotland for a daring mission to seize control of an oil tanker linked to Venezuela. Tracking data from aircraft monitoring sites showed US military planes landing at Wick John O’Groats airport before heading north towards Iceland.
US forces have successfully taken over the Marinera, a Russian-flagged vessel formerly known as Bella-1, which reportedly evaded Donald Trump’s naval blockade of Venezuela. The US European Command confirmed the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violating US sanctions with a warrant issued by a US federal court after tracking it with USCGC Munro.
The Ministry of Defence acknowledged that British military forces supported the American operation by providing RAF surveillance capabilities and the RFA Tideforce support vessel. U-28A planes from the US Air Force’s special operations command were observed near Wick, aiding in intelligence gathering and coordinating other aircraft.
P8 Poseidon anti-submarine aircraft and KC-135 aerial refueling planes were also sighted heading towards the tanker’s location. The vessel was intercepted in international waters as part of America’s ongoing efforts following the recent operation in Venezuela that led to the arrest of former president Nicolas Maduro.
Vladimir Putin had deployed a submarine and naval ships to protect the Marinera, which was found to be empty and not carrying oil. However, the Kremlin’s attempts were thwarted as American forces boarded the vessel. Russia’s Foreign Ministry criticized the US and NATO forces for their attention on the vessel, stating that it was complying with international maritime laws.
US and UK forces closely monitored the tanker after it left the Caribbean two weeks ago, expressing concerns about its proximity to Venezuela. Wick John O’ Groats airport, located at the northeastern tip of Scotland, is managed by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited.
