United States forces, supported by the United Kingdom, have seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic as part of an international effort to disrupt sanctions evasion linked to terrorism, global conflict, and illicit oil trading.
According to Metro, the vessel — known as the Marinera and also operating under the name Bella 1 — was intercepted while en route to Russia after a journey involving Iran and Venezuela. Authorities say the tanker was part of a so-called “shadow fleet” used to move oil in defiance of international sanctions imposed on Russia, Iran, and Venezuela.
An Urgent Message from Sister Sara – Please Watch
The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that British forces assisted the operation. The MoD stated that the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship RFA Tideforce and RAF surveillance aircraft supported the U.S. mission, adding that the tanker was “also linked to the Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah,” according to Metro.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the interception demonstrated the close cooperation between allied nations in addressing threats to global security.
“Today our UK Armed Forces showed skill and professionalism in support of a successful US interception of the vessel Bella 1 while on its way to Russia,” Healey said, according to Metro. “This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting.”
Healey further warned of the broader consequences of such operations, stating: “This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine,” according to Metro.
The UK government said the ship had initially flown a false flag and is assessed to have been involved in illegal activity connected to Hezbollah, an organization designated as a terrorist group by the United States and other nations.
U.S. European Command, headquartered in Germany, confirmed the seizure and said it was carried out under legal authority. In a statement posted on X, the command said: “The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro,” according to Metro.
Metro also reported that the Marinera had spent at least two weeks attempting to evade U.S. enforcement near Venezuela and was nearing Iceland’s exclusive economic zone at the time of interception, based on ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic. The report added that Russia had deployed a submarine and other vessels to escort the tanker across the Atlantic, underscoring its strategic importance.
The seizure comes amid heightened enforcement of U.S. sanctions under President Donald Trump, as Washington seeks to restrict illicit oil flows believed to fund armed conflict and destabilizing activities.
For Catholics, the incident highlights ongoing global concerns surrounding the financing of war and terrorism, the exploitation of vulnerable nations, and the moral responsibility of governments to pursue peace and justice. The Church has long emphasized that economic activity must serve the dignity of the human person and the common good, rather than fueling violence and suffering across the world.
As international authorities continue to confront sanctions evasion and terror financing, Church leaders and faithful alike are urged to pray for peace, accountability among nations, and the protection of innocent lives affected by global conflict.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
