US forces trying to board Venezuela-linked oil tanker from helicopter, claims Russian broadcaster

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The United States on Wednesday launched an operation to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker with links to Venezuela, following a pursuit that lasted more than two weeks across the Atlantic, according to two US officials cited by Reuters. The move comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and with Russian naval vessels reported to be in the vicinity.

Coast Guard, Military Lead Operation Near Iceland US officials said the operation was being carried out jointly by the US Coast Guard and the US military. The seizure attempt was underway near Icelandic waters, where a Russian submarine and a warship were operating in the broader area. It was not immediately clear how close the Russian vessels were to the tanker at the time of the operation.

Tanker Evaded Blockade, Reflagged as Russian The vessel, previously known as Bella-1, had earlier slipped through a US maritime “blockade” of sanctioned tankers and refused boarding by the US Coast Guard. Following the failed interception, the ship was re-registered under a Russian flag and renamed Marinera, officials said.