British armed forces assisted in a joint US operation targeting a ‘ghost fleet’ oil tanker earlier today. The UK Ministry of Defence revealed that RAF surveillance and the RFA Tideforce support ship participated in the operation led by the US.
The US Coastguard executed a predawn raid on the tanker Marinera today, with the UK military providing support, as confirmed by the UK Ministry of Defence.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey praised the UK Armed Forces for their role in aiding the successful US interception of the vessel Bella 1 en route to Russia. This operation was part of global efforts to combat sanctions violations.
The vessel Bella 1, associated with a Russian-Iranian sanctions evasion network, was intercepted to disrupt illicit activities contributing to terrorism and conflict from the Middle East to Ukraine.
A video released by US Homeland Security revealed armed troops boarding the oil tanker, identified as one of two vessels seized by the US on the same day. The footage showed the US Coast Guard ‘tactical team’ descending onto the tanker’s deck from a helicopter.
An American official reported that the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, previously known as Bella-1, is now under US control following the daring nighttime mission. Simultaneously, a Russian submarine and other ships monitored the tanker’s movements.
Additionally, US Homeland Security confirmed a second raid on another oil tanker, the Sophia, in the Caribbean within hours of the initial operation. Both vessels had links to Venezuela.
The US Department of Justice and Homeland Security announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violating US sanctions. The vessel was apprehended in the North Atlantic following tracking by USCGC Munro.
US Homeland Security praised the coordinated efforts of various US government branches in executing safe and effective boardings of the two tankers. The USCGC Munro pursued the Bella 1 across challenging conditions to ensure justice was served.
The Venezuelan-linked vessel, formerly Bella-1, was intercepted by US forces with UK military assistance between Iceland and Scotland. An emergency statement regarding the seizure of the Marinera tanker is anticipated in the Commons later today.