US Forces Seize Sanctioned 'Ghost Tanker' in North Atlantic Amidst Russian Naval Presence

Operation to Seize Sanctioned Tanker

• 🇺🇸 US special operations forces are attempting to seize a sanctioned oil tanker, the Bella 1, in the North Atlantic.
• 🎯 The operation is taking place between Iceland and the British Isles, with US Army Little Bird helicopters involved.
• 🚢 The vessel is accused of violating American sanctions by shipping Iranian oil and has previously transported Venezuelan oil.

Russian Naval Response

• 🇷🇺 Russia reportedly deployed a submarine and other vessels to escort the oil tanker.
• ⚡ It appears US forces boarded the vessel before the Russian navy could arrive.

Background and Previous Attempts

• 🚫 The tanker has been accused of violating American sanctions.
• 🌊 The ship was recently reflated and is part of a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.
• ⚓ The US Coast Guard attempted to board the ship last month in the Caribbean as it was heading to Venezuela.