US EditionUS Is Making Plans to Intercept Venezuela-Linked Oil Tanker that Russia Has Claimed Jurisdiction over, Sources Say
The US aims to enforce sanctions on illicit Venezuelan oil shipments, with Russia’s claim complicating seizure of the tanker tracked near the UK, amid repositioned military assets.
- On Monday, U.S. intelligence officials told CBS the United States plans to try to seize a tanker Russia has claimed, tracked northeast near the United Kingdom two days ago.
- Amid a U.S. 'complete blockade' announced last month, Bella 1 was sanctioned in 2024 for operating in a 'shadow fleet' and earlier reversed course to avoid boarding.
- Open-Source flight tracking shows U.S. P-8 maritime patrol aircraft surveilling the Marinera from RAF Mildenhall, while 12 C-17s, two KC-135 tankers, two AC-130 gunships, and V-22 Ospreys reposition to U.K. bases.
- By claiming Russian status, the vessel's seizure faces legal and diplomatic hurdles after the tanker crew painted a Russian flag and it appeared as Marinera; Russia filed a formal diplomatic request last month.
- Amid a wider rush of tankers, U.S. planners are preparing further interceptions as up to 16 laden vessels may have tried to run the blockade, possibly requiring Maritime Special Response Teams.
47 Articles
47 Articles
The U.S. government is preparing an operation to try to intercept an oil tanker that has become the center of an international dispute. According to four sources familiar with the matter, the vessel is the subject of a claim of jurisdiction by Russia, which positions this incident as a critical point of friction. Originally called Bella 1, the oil tanker was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2024 for operating within a “phantom float” of ships carrying …
US is making plans to intercept Venezuela-linked oil tanker that Russia has claimed jurisdiction over, sources say
The US is making plans to try to intercept a fleeing oil tanker that Russia has claimed jurisdiction over, according to four people familiar with the matter, setting up a possible confrontation between Washington and the Kremlin over the vessel’s fate.
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