US forces have taken control of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, despite efforts by Vladimir Putin to protect it. An American official confirmed that the tanker is now in US custody, with US law enforcement officials aboard, led by Homeland Security.
The US European Command announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violating US sanctions. The vessel was apprehended in the North Atlantic following a warrant issued by a US federal court, with assistance from USCGC Munro.
Reports suggest that Donald Trump may have successfully seized the tanker, which is currently en route to the UK. Downing Street declined to comment on these claims or on the utilization of British military bases by third parties.
President Trump had previously ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers going to and from Venezuela, a move criticized by the Maduro government as “theft.” The Marinera, operating under the Russian flag, was intercepted on its journey from Scotland to Iceland after evading capture near Venezuela.
This recent operation to intercept the Marinera by US forces follows a previous 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.
A Russian news outlet reported that an American military helicopter was trying to land personnel on the Venezuelan-linked oil tanker Marinera. A Russian submarine was also accompanying the vessel during the US operation.
The operation involved surveillance aircraft and a bomber, with tracking data showing the tanker altering its course and decreasing speed. The ship, formerly known as Bella 1 and now empty, typically transports Venezuelan crude oil.
Flight tracking data indicated US special operations aircraft landing in Scotland before heading toward Iceland. Various aircraft, including submarine-hunting planes and refueling aircraft, were observed near the tanker.
An RAF surveillance plane was spotted flying over the tanker’s route earlier this week.
