US forces have taken control of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, despite Vladimir Putin’s efforts to protect it. An American official informed NBC News that the tanker is now in US custody with law enforcement officials from the US onboard, led by Homeland Security.
The US European Command confirmed that the US Department of Justice and Homeland Security have seized 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 after being monitored by 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 speculations or on the utilization of British military bases by external parties.
Previously, President Trump had ordered a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, a move criticized by the Maduro government as “theft.” Marinera, operating under the Russian flag, was navigating between Scotland and Iceland, having evaded interception near Venezuela.
This recent US operation to board the Marinera follows a previous attempt last month in the Caribbean. The US Coast Guard had a warrant to impound the ship for allegedly breaching sanctions and transporting Iranian oil.
According to Russian sources, an American military helicopter was trying to land personnel on the Venezuelan-linked oil tanker Marinera, escorted by a Russian submarine during the operation. Surveillance aircraft like the P-8 Poseidon and an AC-130J bomber were involved. Tracking data revealed that the Marinera altered its course suddenly, heading southward at reduced speed.
The vessel, formerly known as Bella 1 and currently empty, typically transports Venezuelan crude oil. Recent observations show the tanker sailing northeast between Iceland and the UK.
Flight tracking data indicated the arrival of US special operations aircraft in Scotland before proceeding towards Iceland. These aircraft, including the U-28A, are used for intelligence-gathering purposes. Additionally, P8 Poseidon submarine-hunting planes and KC-135 refueling aircraft were spotted heading towards the tanker’s vicinity.
On a separate occasion, an RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft was seen flying over the tanker’s route.
