The British Ministry of Defence has officially announced that it provided crucial "operational and logistical" support to US forces, enabling them to seize a Russian oil tanker in the North Atlantic, in a joint operation reflecting the depth of military and intelligence cooperation between the two allies to enforce international sanctions.
Details of the joint operation in the "GIUK" gap
The ministry explained in an official statement that British forces provided coordinated assistance to US forces who were tracking the vessel Bella 1 (later renamed Marinera). The interception took place in the strategic area known as the GIUK gap, a vital sea corridor between Britain, Iceland, and Greenland.
British support included allowing US forces to use at least one airbase for their operations, as well as the Royal Navy providing close aerial surveillance of the tanker's movements. The Royal Navy also supplied a supply ship to support US naval vessels during their pursuit and interception of the tanker, ensuring the operation's continuity.
The ship's legal status: "Unlicensed tanker"
In a statement to Parliament, British Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that the British intervention was supportive and did not involve direct involvement on board the ship, saying, "No British military personnel boarded the tanker." Healey explained the legal basis for the operation, noting that the tanker, Bella 1, was considered a "stateless vessel" under international law.
The minister added that the ship was flying a false Russian flag, which deprived it of the legal protection enjoyed by compliant commercial vessels, and made it liable to legal objection and subjection to the laws of the country imposing the sanctions, which in this case is the United States of America.
The context of sanctions and the "shadow fleets" war
This operation comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, as the United States and its allies seek to tighten the noose on oil smuggling networks used by sanctioned countries such as Russia and Venezuela. This tanker is part of what is known as the "shadow fleet," vessels that often operate with forged documents or without internationally recognized insurance to transport prohibited oil and finance sanctioned regimes.
The United States had announced the seizure of the tanker as part of its blockade on oil shipments linked to Venezuela, amid US press reports indicating Russian attempts to send a submarine to escort the tanker, which raised the level of tension in the Atlantic.
Expanding the scope of US operations
This incident is not isolated. Simultaneously with the NATO operation, Washington announced the interception of another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea that was also operating without the knowledge of the sanctioned countries and was being escorted to US ports. This timing underscores the determination of the US administration, with the support of its European allies, to close the maritime loopholes exploited by sanctioned countries to circumvent economic embargoes.
