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Britain has confirmed it assisted the United States in an operation to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic. UK officials stated the support was provided upon Washington’s request, emphasizing that the assistance was lawful and limited in scope, despite sharp criticism from Moscow. The tanker had previously avoided an attempted boarding last month near Venezuela, where a U.S. raid on Saturday ousted the country’s authoritarian leader, Nicolás Maduro.
The UK Ministry of Defence explained that UK Armed Forces delivered pre-planned operational support to U.S. military assets targeting the Bella-1, which was operating in the UK–Iceland–Greenland gap following a U.S. request for help. A Royal Navy vessel offered support to U.S. forces in the pursuit and interdiction of the ship, now renamed Marinera, while the Royal Air Force provided aerial surveillance. The ministry stressed that the UK and U.S. maintain the closest defense and security partnership globally, and that this operation was carried out fully in accordance with international law.
The vessel, previously sanctioned by the U.S. under measures aimed at Iran, was reportedly flying a false flag initially. It turned off its transponders at sea and attempted to reflag during the pursuit, indicating involvement in illicit activities and sanctions evasion. Recent intelligence indicated the tanker was engaged in illegal activities linked to international terrorism and crimes, including connections to Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese militia.
The Russian registration of the vessel underscores its role in the shadow networks threatening national security, destabilizing economies, and undermining global stability. UK Defense Minister John Healey stated that Britain will continue scale-up efforts against clandestine fleet activities to safeguard national interests, reinforcing that the U.S. remains the UK’s closest defense and security ally.
Healey later clarified in parliament that no UK personnel participated in boarding the tanker. The vessel, flagged falsely and under U.S. sanctions, was lawfully intercepted and subjected to the jurisdiction of the interdicting nation. He commended the professionalism and bravery of U.S. forces operating in dangerous maritime conditions. Additionally, Britain reportedly provided base support to U.S. aircraft, with unconfirmed reports of U.S. planes gathering at Royal Air Force bases since the weekend.
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