US prepares to intercept tanker in Atlantic, which Russia asked not to be touched – CNN
Illustrative photo: a sanctioned oil tanker (Getty Images)
The US is preparing to intercept an oil tanker in the Atlantic, which Russia has already laid claim to and requested not to be touched. This could lead to tensions between Washington and the Kremlin, CNN reports.
The tanker, previously known as Bella 1, is currently sailing through the North Atlantic near the coast of the United Kingdom, according to open sources.
The vessel has been under US sanctions since 2024 for its involvement in a shadow fleet of ships transporting illegal oil. It was initially heading to Venezuela, but last month changed course to avoid interception by the US Coast Guard.
It is reported that the crew painted a Russian flag on the hull and declared that the ship is under Russia’s protection, after which it appeared in Russia’s official registry under the new name Marinera.
Moscow has already submitted an official diplomatic request demanding that the pursuit of the tanker be stopped, complicating the legal aspects of any potential seizure.
Preparation for the vessel’s seizure
To control the situation, the US has deployed significant military resources to the region. US Navy P-8 reconnaissance aircraft based at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk have been tracking the tanker in recent days, while C-17 transport planes, V-22 Osprey aircraft, and two AC-130 gunships have arrived in the UK. KC-135 aerial refueling tankers are patrolling the North Atlantic to support US forces’ operations.
According to CNN sources, intercepting Bella 1 will likely require the involvement of Special Operations Forces and a naval special team capable of boarding vessels that refuse to comply.
On December 11, the US previously used such forces to intercept a sanctioned tanker near Venezuela.
There are concerns that the operation in the North Atlantic could be complicated by adverse weather conditions and Russia’s declared jurisdiction over the vessel.
Trump’s sanctions on Venezuelan oil
On December 16, US President Donald Trump announced a full blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuelan waters, aiming to increase pressure on the regime of then-President Nicolás Maduro.
Since then, at least seven vessels heading to Venezuela have either changed course or stopped in international waters.
The US has already seized Maduro’s assets from a complex in Caracas, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the blockade will continue as a leverage tool against Venezuela’s interim government.
