The ongoing tensions between the United States and Russia have escalated to a perilous point. Following weeks of high-voltage drama in the North Atlantic Ocean, the US has successfully seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker 'Marinera'. This military operation has sparked a stir in global politics as Russian naval warships and submarines were also in the vicinity during the operation.
Additionally, a tanker originating from Venezuela was intercepted by the US Coast Guard in the Caribbean Sea. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed these successful missions, describing them as a significant blow against the 'Ghost Fleet', which includes ships involved in illicit trade.
According to Secretary Kristi Noem, the US Coast Guard conducted two highly precise and coordinated operations at dawn. The first tanker, 'Motor Tanker Bella-I', was captured in the North Atlantic, while the second tanker, 'Motor Tanker Sophia', was seized from the international waters of the Caribbean Sea. Both vessels were either recently docked in Venezuela or were transporting prohibited oil towards the country.
The US European Command had earlier confirmed on Wednesday that the Russian tanker 'Marinera', linked to Venezuela's oil trade, was taken under control by a joint operation of the US military and the Coast Guard. Acting on a Federal Court warrant, the action was taken under allegations of sanctions violations.
Operation Amidst Submarines and Warships
This Atlantic Ocean seizure occurred as a Russian Navy submarine and several warships were deployed near Iceland. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed to Reuters news agency that the capture mission of this Russian tanker did not happen overnight. Instead, it was tracked for weeks in the Atlantic Ocean. The tanker had previously evaded the US maritime 'blockade', disregarded the repeated directives of the US Coast Guard, and refused onboard inspections. To avoid capture, the ship even altered its flag and registration in the middle of the ocean.
Source: aajtak
The entire encirclement became even more tense when international intelligence reports revealed increased Russian naval activities around the tanker's route. US authorities confirmed Russian warships and a submarine were present in the area during the operation. Although the exact distance between the Russian military ships and the tanker was not specified, their presence turned this operation into a serious geopolitical confrontation.
Britain's Crucial Role
The UK cooperation was pivotal in this challenging operation. According to US officials, the mission was accomplished jointly by the US Coast Guard and the US military, with Britain providing a 'launchpad' by allowing the use of its land. British airfields were utilized for the mission to seize the tanker. As the Russian tanker traversed the maritime area between Iceland and Britain, Royal Air Force (RAF) surveillance planes closely monitored its activities and shared precise intelligence with US forces.
Tensions Rise Following Maduro's Arrest
This action occurred shortly after the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. US Special Forces conducted an operation in Caracas, capturing Maduro, who was brought to the United States to stand trial on drug trafficking charges. Senior Venezuelan officials have labeled it as 'kidnapping', accusing the US of conspiring to seize Venezuela's vast oil reserves.
Impact on Russia-US Relations
In recent years, it is rare to see the US military seizing a commercial ship flying the Russian flag in such a manner at sea. Experts suggest that this incident may provoke a strong response from Russia, potentially intensifying the ongoing tensions on the Ukrainian and Venezuelan fronts.
