US military forces have conducted a raid on the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera. Despite efforts by Vladimir Putin to shield the vessel, it is now under US control, as confirmed by an American official to NBC News. US law enforcement officers are currently aboard the tanker, 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 under a warrant issued by a US federal court following tracking by USCGC Munro.
Downing Street has declined to comment on rumors that Donald Trump has successfully taken control of the tanker, which is reportedly en route to the UK. The UK government stated it would not engage in speculation or discuss the utilization of British military bases by third parties.
President Trump had previously declared a “blockade” on sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, a move criticized by the Maduro government as “theft.” Marinera, flying the Russian flag, was traveling between Scotland and Iceland after evading interception near Venezuela.
This recent US operation to board the Marinera comes after an initial 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 source had earlier reported that an attempt was made to land American military personnel on the Venezuelan-linked oil tanker Marinera by helicopter. A Russian submarine accompanied Marinera during the US operation.
The operation involved P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft and an AC-130J bomber. Tracking data revealed that Marinera abruptly changed course to the south at 11:26 UTC, reducing speed from 9 knots to 8 knots.
The vessel, previously named Bella 1 and currently empty, typically transported Venezuelan crude oil. On Wednesday, the tanker was observed sailing northeast between Iceland and the UK.
Flight tracking sites indicated that US special operations aircraft landed in Scotland before proceeding north towards Iceland. U-28A aircraft used for intelligence-gathering by the US Air Force’s special operations command were deployed. Additionally, P8 Poseidon submarine-detection aircraft and KC-135 refueling planes were spotted heading towards the tanker’s vicinity.
On Tuesday, an RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint surveillance plane was seen flying over the tanker’s route.