US Seizes Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker Near Iceland
In an operation that has sent ripples through the global oil market and reignited tensions between world powers, the United States seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuela on January 7, 2026, including the Russian-flagged Marinera—formerly known as the Bella-1—in the North Atlantic. According to ABC News, the U.S. Coast Guard, backed by a suite of military assets, executed the seizure after meticulously tracking the vessel for two weeks.
The Marinera’s journey had been anything but straightforward. In December 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard first attempted to intercept the Bella-1 as it sailed the Caribbean, apparently en route to Venezuela to collect a load of crude oil. The tanker, however, evaded capture by abruptly changing course and switching off its AIS transponder—a familiar tactic among so-called “shadow fleet” vessels designed to mask their location and identity, as reported by SOF News.
Multinational Surveillance Effort
The vessel’s checkered history is emblematic of the murky world of sanctioned oil trade. Once flying a false Panamanian flag, the Bella-1 was suspected to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of ships Moscow allegedly uses to sidestep international restrictions. On December 31, 2025, the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping listed the ship as a Russian vessel, and its crew went so far as to paint a Russian flag on its hull, according to ABC News.
Surveillance of the Marinera was a multinational affair. U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, operating from RAF Mildenhall in England, worked in tandem with aircraft from Ireland and the UK to keep tabs on the elusive ship. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed its support for the operation, providing basing, aerial surveillance, and the assistance of the RFA Tideforce, a tanker equipped with a helipad.
Seizure Execution
When the moment came, the seizure was executed with military precision. SOF News detailed how a special operations unit—likely including U.S. Navy SEALs—supported by the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, the U.S. Coast Guard, and a host of aircraft such as the CV-22 Osprey and AC-130 Ghostrider, conducted the boarding. The Coast Guard Cutter Munro, which had shadowed the Marinera into the North Atlantic, played a central role.
Despite speculation that Russian naval vessels might intervene, none were present during the operation; Russia’s response was limited to sharp diplomatic protests.
Original Article: US Seizes Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker Near Iceland — Evrimagaci