Photo: getty images
The operation took place in the North Atlantic.
The United States is attempting to seize an oil tanker linked to Venezuela but recently re-registered under the Russian flag, according to Reuters and RT. The operation is being carried out by the U.S. Coast Guard along with American military forces. Previously, the sanctioned tanker, formerly known as Bella-1 (now Marinera), slipped through a U.S. maritime blockade and switched its registration to Russia. Reports earlier suggested that Russia dispatched a submarine to support the vessel, and U.S. officials told Reuters that the submarine is currently near the tanker.
According to Fox News correspondent Lucas Tomlinson, U.S. forces boarded the sanctioned tanker between Iceland and the British Isles before Russian naval ships and the submarine could arrive. The U.S. European Command has since confirmed that the Bella-1 tanker was seized in the North Atlantic. The U.S. Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Pentagon have jointly announced the arrest, citing violations of U.S. sanctions. The vessel was tracked and intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Munro, officials said.
In December, the tanker’s crew reportedly evaded a U.S. boarding attempt in the Caribbean and headed into the open Atlantic. During the pursuit, the crew hastily painted a Russian flag on the hull, renamed the ship Marinera, and declared Russian registration without completing formal procedures.
Experts suggest Moscow is alarmed by Washington’s recent actions against oil tankers transporting illicit Russian crude, which play a key role in sustaining Russia’s economy. U.S. officials earlier stated that Russia had demanded Washington stop pursuing the vessel. On Tuesday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it was watching the situation around the tanker “with concern.”
