The United States has formally thanked the United Kingdom for its critical support in the capture of a Russian-flagged oil tanker, the *Marinera* (formerly *Bella 1*), in the North Atlantic. The operation, which Russia has condemned as “outright piracy,” was justified by both nations as a lawful action against sanctions evasion.
In a statement to Parliament, UK Defence Secretary John Healey detailed Britain’s role, confirming that the Royal Air Force provided surveillance and the Royal Navy assisted with refuelling during the operation. The UK also permitted U.S. aircraft to operate from British bases. Healey emphasized that the vessel was supporting a “Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion” that fuels conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The legal basis for the seizure, according to Healey, stemmed from the tanker being effectively “stateless.” The ship had changed its name multiple times and was falsely flying the flag of Guyana upon entering the Caribbean, invalidating its claim to national protection. A stateless vessel can be lawfully intercepted by another state.
The U.S. European Command publicly acknowledged the UK’s “unwavering support” for the operation. While U.S. forces conducted the actual boarding, British logistical and intelligence support proved instrumental in the successful capture of the tanker, which was allegedly transporting oil in violation of international sanctions.
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