British armed forces collaborated with the US in an operation to seize an oil tanker dubbed the ‘ghost fleet’ earlier today. The UK Ministry of Defence disclosed that assets like RAF surveillance and the RFA Tideforce support ship participated in the operation led by the US.
A tactical team from the US Coastguard boarded the Marinera tanker in a predawn raid, with support from UK military elements, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey commended the UK Armed Forces for their role in aiding the successful US interception of the vessel Bella 1 en route to Russia. This action is part of global efforts to combat sanctions violations.
The vessel, with a dubious past, is linked to a Russian-Iranian alliance involved in evading sanctions, which contributes to terrorism and conflict from the Middle East to Ukraine.
A recent video shows armed US troops boarding an oil tanker, with Kristi Noem confirming that it was one of two vessels seized by the US. The footage released by US Homeland Security depicts the US Coast Guard ‘tactical team’ descending onto the tanker’s deck from a helicopter.
An American official informed NBC News that the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, previously known as Bella-1, is now under US custody following the daring nighttime raid. Additionally, a Russian submarine and other vessels were reportedly monitoring the tanker’s movements.
Noem verified that a second raid occurred on another oil tanker, the Sophia, in the Caribbean shortly after the first operation. Both vessels had ties to Venezuela or were en route to the country.
The US Department of Justice and Homeland Security have announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violating US sanctions. The vessel was apprehended in the North Atlantic after being tracked by USCGC Munro.
Noem commended the collaborative efforts of President Trump’s administration and various US government branches in executing two successful boardings within hours. She praised the USCGC Munro crew for their persistent pursuit of the Motor Tanker Bella 1.
The oil tanker, previously known as Bella-1 and linked to Venezuela, was captured with UK military assistance as it traversed waters between Iceland and Scotland. An emergency statement regarding the seizure of the Marinera tanker is anticipated in the Commons this evening.
