US military forces have carried out an operation to take control of the Russian-flagged oil tanker named Marinera. Despite efforts by Russian President Vladimir Putin to safeguard the vessel, it is now under the custody of the United States, as confirmed by an American official to NBC News. The tanker is currently being managed by US law enforcement officials, with Homeland Security leading the operation.
The US European Command has announced 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 tracked by the USCGC Munro.
Reports suggesting that former US President Donald Trump has successfully taken control of the tanker, which is reportedly heading towards the UK, have been declined by Downing Street. No official comments have been made regarding the speculation or the utilization of British military bases by external parties.
President Trump had previously ordered a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, a move criticized by the Maduro government as “theft.” The Marinera, flying the Russian flag, was sailing between Scotland and Iceland after evading interception near Venezuela.
This recent US operation to board the Marinera follows a prior attempt in the Caribbean last month. The US Coast Guard had a warrant to seize the ship due to alleged violations of sanctions and involvement in transporting Iranian oil.
A Russian news source had earlier reported that an American military helicopter was trying to land personnel on the Venezuelan-linked oil tanker Marinera. During the operation, a Russian submarine was escorting the Marinera.
The operation involved surveillance aircraft like the P-8 Poseidon and an AC-130J bomber. Tracking data indicated that the Marinera made a sudden turn southbound and reduced its speed from 9 knots to 8 knots at 11:26 UTC.
The vessel, previously known as Bella 1 and currently empty, typically transported Venezuelan crude oil. It was observed sailing northeast between Iceland and the UK on Wednesday.
Flight tracking websites revealed that US special operations aircraft landed in Scotland before proceeding north towards Iceland. The U-28A aircraft, utilized by the US Air Force’s special operations command for intelligence-gathering and coordinating with other aircraft, were involved in the operation. Additionally, P8 Poseidon submarine-hunting aircraft and KC-135 refueling planes were seen heading towards the tanker’s vicinity.
On Tuesday, an RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint surveillance plane was spotted flying over the tanker’s route.