jasdooit

American forces have intercepted a Venezuela-affiliated oil tanker that was under sanctions, in the North Atlantic following a weeks-long pursuit, according to a statement from the US military on Wednesday.

“The ship was taken in the North Atlantic according to a court order from a US federal court, following its tracking by the USCGC Munro,” said US European Command in a message on X.

A Russian submarine was dispatched to protect the oil tanker that the US military had been chasing and trying to take for several weeks, according to US media.

The United States has been pursuing the oil vessel, previously called the Bella 1, since it bypassed a limited US blockade near Venezuela and prevented the US Coast Guard from boarding it at the end of last month.

American authorities stated that the tanker is part of an unofficial fleet transporting oil for nations including Venezuela, Russia, and Iran, in breach of U.S. sanctions.

MarineTraffic’s tracking information indicated the tanker approaching Iceland’s exclusive economic zone on Wednesday.

Russia deployed “a submarine and other naval vessels” to accompany the tanker, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, which cited unidentified US officials.

CBS News reported that two U.S. officials verified “that Russia had deployed a submarine and additional Russian naval ships” as escorts.

On Tuesday, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it was “monitoring with worry” the United States’ efforts regarding the tanker.

The government informed state-controlled media before the escort reports that the ship was operating under the Russian flag and was distant from the US shoreline.

The ministry stated, ‘For reasons not clear to us, the Russian ship is attracting increased focus from U.S. and NATO forces, a level of attention that is clearly out of proportion with its peaceful nature.’

The UK’s Department for Defence stated that it had offered “supporting assistance” to the US during its mission to capture the vessel.

The UK Armed Forces offered planned operational assistance, including accommodation, to US military units intercepting the Bella 1 in the UK-Iceland-Greenland corridor after a request for help from the US. The RFA Tideforce supported US forces in tracking and stopping the Bella 1, while the RAF offered aerial surveillance, according to the ministry’s statement.

The closest defense and security alliance between the UK and US is unparalleled globally, with the UK offering facilitating support in accordance with international law.

Defense Secretary John Healey stated that the joint operation was “a part of global initiatives to combat violations of sanctions.”

“The UK will keep increasing our efforts to combat shadow fleet activities in order to safeguard our national security, economy, and global stability – ensuring Britain is safe domestically and powerful internationally,” he stated.

After being chased by the US Coast Guard, the ship changed its registration to Russia, renamed itself the Marinera, and the tanker’s crew is said to have painted a Russian flag on the vessel last month.

The latest advancements are part of US President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to target oil tankers involved in sanctioned trade with Venezuela.

The oil vessel, currently under Russian protection, was heading to Venezuela but did not have any cargo on board when it bypassed the US embargo.

It has faced US sanctions since 2024 due to claimed connections with Iran and Hezbollah.

The Russian foreign ministry called on the US to facilitate the quick return of Russian crew members from the detained ship.

“Regarding the information indicating the presence of Russian nationals on the crew, we call on the United States to guarantee humane and respectful treatment, strictly uphold their rights and interests, and not hinder their swift return to their country,” the ministry was reported by the Russian state news agency TASS as stating.

It did not specify the number of Russian citizens aboard the vessel flying the Russian flag.

Second tanker seized

The U.S. military also reported the confiscation of a restricted tanker ship in the Caribbean Sea, marking the second vessel seized by American forces on Wednesday.

U.S. forces “detained a stateless, restricted dark fleet motor tanker without any issues. The seized ship, M/T Sophia, was sailing in international waters and engaged in illegal activities in the Caribbean Sea,” stated the U.S. Southern Command, which oversees the region, in a message on X.