In a significant maritime operation, United States forces have seized an oil tanker linked to Venezuela as it transited waters close to the United Kingdom. The incident marks a dramatic escalation following recent US military action in Venezuela itself.
The Seizure of the Marinera
On Wednesday, 7 January 2026, US personnel boarded the Russian-flagged vessel Marinera. The ship, which was previously named the Bella-1, was travelling north and eastwards through the waters situated between Iceland and Scotland. According to a US official, American law enforcement officials are now in control of the tanker, with support from the nation's armed forces.
There have been no reports of gunfire during the seizure, indicating the operation was conducted without immediate armed conflict. The vessel was said to have previously evaded a "total naval blockade" of Venezuela imposed by the Trump administration in December.
Military Buildup in the North Atlantic
The culmination of this weeks-long pursuit was preceded by a noticeable increase in military surveillance and support aircraft in the region. Flight tracking data revealed a substantial presence of US and British aircraft patrolling the skies near the tanker's route.
US special operations U-28A aircraft, used for intelligence gathering, were tracked landing at Wick John O'Groats airport in Scotland before heading north. Furthermore, US P8 Poseidon submarine hunters and KC-135 refuelling planes were also directed towards the area.
The Royal Air Force was actively involved in monitoring the situation. An RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint surveillance plane was observed flying over the tanker's path on Tuesday. Additionally, a British Atlas A400M military transport aircraft, which departed from RAF Brize Norton, was seen in the vicinity of the vessel on Wednesday.
Official Response and Broader Context
When questioned about the incident and the use of British bases by US forces, a spokesman for the Prime Minister declined to comment. "We don't comment on the operational activity by other nations, including third-party use of UK bases," the official stated, adding that they would not engage with speculation regarding any involvement by UK forces.
This maritime seizure comes directly on the heels of a major weekend raid by the Trump administration on Venezuela, which resulted in the removal and capture of the country's then-president, Nicolas Maduro. The events have triggered reactions globally, including celebrations by members of the Venezuelan community in London's Trafalgar Square.
The operation underscores the extending reach of US enforcement actions into allied waters and highlights the complex, multinational dimensions of the ongoing political crisis surrounding Venezuela.
