US authorities have carried out a seizure operation on the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera. Despite efforts by Vladimir Putin to protect the vessel, it is now under US custody, as confirmed by an American official to NBC News. US law enforcement officials, led by Homeland Security, are currently aboard the tanker.
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 with the assistance of the USCGC Munro.
Reports suggest that Donald Trump may have successfully taken control of 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 third parties.
President Trump had previously declared a “blockade” on sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, a move criticized by the Maduro government as “theft.” The Marinera, flying the Russian flag, was navigating between Scotland and Iceland after evading interception near Venezuela.
This recent US operation to board the Marinera follows a previous attempt in the Caribbean last month. The US Coast Guard had a warrant to seize the ship for allegedly violating sanctions and transporting Iranian oil.
According to Russian reports, American military personnel were being landed on the Venezuelan-affiliated oil tanker Marinera by a helicopter, with a Russian submarine escorting the vessel during the operation.
The operation involved P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft and an AC-130J bomber. Tracking data revealed that Marinera abruptly changed course southbound and reduced speed at 11:26 UTC.
The vessel, formerly known as Bella 1 and currently empty, typically transported Venezuelan crude oil. It was observed sailing northeast towards the UK from Iceland.
Flight tracking websites showed US special operations aircraft landing in Scotland before heading north towards Iceland. These aircraft, including U-28A planes used for intelligence-gathering, were joined by P8 Poseidon submarine-hunting aircraft and KC-135 refueling planes in the vicinity of the tanker.
Additionally, an RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft was observed flying over the tanker’s route on Tuesday.