US attempting to sieze Venezuelan linked oil tanker under Russian military escort

[Bronco 25,129]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cwynjdqgellt?post=asset%3Abdab4420-49ca-4870-afd4-0f0de0259673#post

The US is carrying out an operation to seize the Venezuela-linked oil tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella-1, a US official confirms to CBS News, the BBC's US partner.

Footage showing US Coast Guard vessel in vicinity of the tanker. 

The US appears to be attempting to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic in a high-stakes operation following a pursuit lasting more than two weeks, after Moscow reportedly moved to safeguard the vessel by dispatching a submarine.

Russian state broadcaster RT published two grainy photographs showing a helicopter approaching the tanker, saying an operation was under way. Reuters, citing two American officials, also confirmed that the US was attempting to board the ship.

The tanker, Marinera, had been travelling from Iran to Venezuela but turned back into the Atlantic after attempting to evade a US blockade targeting sanction-hit oil tankers operating near Venezuelan waters.

In the 24 hours preceding the operation, multiple surveillance flights were observed over the vessel, including aircraft from US bases in Iceland and RAF Rivet Joint and P-8 Poseidon planes from the UK, which are capable of detecting submarines.

In December, the crew repelled an attempted US boarding near Venezuela, after which a Russian flag was hastily painted on the hull and the ship was added to Russia’s official shipping registry. Moscow subsequently lodged a formal diplomatic protest demanding that Washington halt its pursuit.

The seizure of the tanker would likely strain US relations with president Vladimir Putin, at a sensitive moment as negotiations over a potential peace deal in Ukraine continue.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/jan/07/europe-greenland-denmark-us-france-trade-weather-latest-news-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-695e58c68f089a37100b6542#block-695e58c68f089a37100b6542

 

[Bronco 25,129]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/jan/07/europe-greenland-denmark-us-france-trade-weather-latest-news-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-695e60e38f08630ffdfbe830#block-695e60e38f08630ffdfbe830
 

Venezuela-linked Russia-flagged tanker seized near Iceland - US media report

NBC News is now reporting that the tanker has been secured by the US forces, quoting US officials involved in the operation.

The broadcaster reported that “the Department of Homeland Security lead the operation with U.S. military support,” and “US law enforcement officials are currently on board.”

We still need an official confirmation, though.

 

[PartySick 172,545]

Why are we pirates now

[LilMonst3r 5,681]

Is this the first official conflict between Russia and The US that sparks a chain of events that will Lead us to a world war… 
 

I sure hope Not…

oh God.

[Bronco 25,129]

3 minutes ago, LilMonst3r said:

Is this the first official conflict between Russia and The US that sparks a chain of events that will Lead us to a world war… 
 

I sure hope Not…

oh God.

Russia backed off entirely.

I'd assume it's orchestrated. 

[Morphine Prince 109,671]

“It’s not about the oil” 

[Morphine Prince 109,671]

 

[Morphine Prince 109,671]

They just seized another one…