In a dramatic escalation of international sanctions enforcement, US special forces have touched down in the United Kingdom, poised to intercept a rogue oil tanker accused of running a blockade and speeding towards Russia. The operation targets the vessel Marinera, part of a so-called "shadow fleet" used to bypass global sanctions.
Military Buildup at British Airbase
Cargo aircraft carrying helicopters and elite personnel have landed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, signaling preparations for a potential high-risk boarding operation. The tanker in question, previously named Bella 1, is currently believed to be sailing under a Russian flag in the North Atlantic, approximately 500 miles west of Ireland, on a direct course for Russia.
The deployed units include troops from America’s famed 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers), equipped with Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters capable of fast-roping commandos onto large vessels at sea. The mission also involves three V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft operating from RAF Mildenhall, supported by surveillance and refuelling jets.
The Tanker's Evasive Journey
This intense military pursuit was triggered after the tanker was tracked resurfacing on the high seas. It had earlier managed to slip away from US forces in the Caribbean. This evasion followed former President Donald Trump's announcement of a "total and complete blockade" on Venezuelan oil exports, aimed at crippling the regime of Nicolás Maduro.
The Marinera is alleged to have strong links to Iran and is accused of enabling sanctioned regimes, including those of Vladimir Putin and Nicolás Maduro, to continue trading oil despite international restrictions. During the ongoing chase, the crew reportedly took bold steps to avoid capture:
- Painting a Russian flag directly onto the ship's hull.
- Re-registering the vessel under its new name in Russia.
A Decision on Seizure Imminent
US officials have indicated to American media that the preferred outcome is to seize the tanker rather than sink it. This approach mirrors a helicopter-borne raid conducted just last month against another sanctioned vessel. A final decision on whether to green-light the dangerous boarding operation is expected within the coming days.
Defence sources confirm that the military buildup at RAF Fairford points squarely to preparations for a hostile boarding. Meanwhile, naval patrol aircraft continue to closely monitor the tanker's every move across the Atlantic.
This high-stakes chase unfolds as Washington significantly tightens the pressure on Venezuela's vital oil lifeline. Reports indicate that more than a dozen tankers have fled the country since the blockade was announced, employing deceptive tactics like falsified tracking data and frequent flag changes to avoid detection and capture.
