The US has seized a Russian oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Atlantic Ocean after pursuing it for two weeks. The Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, is suspected of violating US sanctions and transporting Iranian oil.
This was reported by Reuters journalist Idris Ali.
The Marinera had previously also transported Venezuelan oil, but was reportedly empty at the time of its capture.
Earlier it was reported that Russia had sent a submarine and several Navy ships to escort and protect the Marinera.
The seizure, which could exacerbate tensions with Russia, came after the tanker passed through the US naval “blockade” of sanctioned tankers and rejected attempts by the US Coast Guard to board it.
Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the operation was carried out by the Coast Guard and the US Armed Forces. It is noted that this is probably the first recent case of the US military seizing a ship flying the Russian flag.
Russian military vessels, including a Russian submarine, were in the area of the operation. It is unknown how close these vessels were to the operation, which took place near Iceland.
