US and UK aircraft are closely monitoring a Venezuelan oil tanker, now flying a Russian flag, as it attempts to evade a US blockade in the Atlantic Ocean. This vessel, previously known as the Bella 1 and renamed Marinera, is sailing approximately 250 miles off the coast of Ireland. The coordinated surveillance effort involves multiple NATO nations, including the US, UK, France, and Ireland, highlighting the international attention on this maritime maneuver. The tanker’s actions suggest a deliberate attempt to obscure its identity and potentially seek protection under Russian jurisdiction, raising significant geopolitical questions.
The US has implemented a blockade on Venezuela’s oil fleet, which is believed to be transporting oil in violation of US and international sanctions. The recent deployment of surveillance aircraft from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk and RAF Lossiemouth, alongside Irish and French maritime patrol planes, underscores the seriousness with which the US and its allies are treating this situation. This heightened activity follows a similar operation last month where US forces seized another oil tanker, the Skipper, that had departed from Venezuela.
What is the significance of the Russian flag on the Venezuelan oil tanker?
The Russian flag is likely being used as a tactic to deter seizure by US forces. By claiming Russian registration and flying its flag, the tanker’s operators may be attempting to invoke international maritime law protections afforded to vessels of sovereign nations, complicating any direct enforcement actions by the US.
Speculation is rife among intelligence sources that US forces may attempt to board the tanker. This potential action would be a direct follow-up to the publicized operation to seize the Skipper. The objective appears to be the seizure of the vessel and its cargo, rather than sinking it, according to officials speaking to CBS News.
Venezuela has reportedly considered placing military personnel on oil tankers disguised as civilian vessels to aid in evading US blockades. This alleged tactic, if true, points to a sophisticated and potentially escalating strategy by Venezuela to circumvent international sanctions.
The tanker’s journey began in the Caribbean Sea, where it fled to escape US capture last month. The current intended destination remains unclear, adding another layer of mystery to its operations. The fact that US planes passed through Irish airspace during their surveillance mission, despite Ireland’s policy against military aircraft use during operations, has also drawn attention and potential diplomatic discussion.
According to the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping, the ship is listed as being ported out of Sochi, Russia. This official listing, combined with the flag, suggests a coordinated effort to leverage Russian maritime status.
The Russian government has officially requested that the US cease all attempts to seize the ship, indicating a diplomatic standoff is developing. This intervention by Russia adds significant weight to the tanker’s claim of protection.
Information from Kpler, a trading intelligence website, reveals that the vessel transported over 6 million barrels of Iranian oil last year. Much of this oil was reportedly transferred to other vessels at sea, a common practice to conceal the final destination of sanctioned oil shipments.
US officials with knowledge of the operation have indicated that the seizure could occur as early as this week. However, they also acknowledge that such defense department plans can be shelved. The preparedness for such an operation reflects the US commitment to enforcing its sanctions regime.
Former President Trump’s “total and complete” blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers was part of a broader campaign of pressure. This included the capture of Nicolas Maduro. The rhetoric surrounding these actions emphasized the recovery of assets allegedly stolen from the United States.
Despite the blockade, reports suggest that at least 16 oil tankers have disguised their locations or turned off their transmission beacons to evade naval surveillance. This highlights the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between sanctioning nations and those attempting to circumvent them.
The current situation with the Marinera tanker represents a critical moment in the enforcement of sanctions against Venezuela and the broader geopolitical landscape involving Russia and the US. The successful seizure of this vessel could set a precedent for future operations against similar shadow fleet activities.
