US seizes Venezuela-linked oil tanker off British waters

US officials say American law enforcement and armed forces boarded and seized the Russia-flagged tanker Marinera while it was travelling in waters between Iceland and Scotland, and that the action was carried out under a warrant issued by a US federal court.

US forces have seized a Venezuela-linked oil tanker, the Marinera, as it travelled in waters between Iceland and Scotland. US officials said American law enforcement personnel are aboard the vessel and are supported by US armed forces. The US European Command said the seizure was carried out under a warrant from a US federal court. What officials say: - US forces boarded and seized the Russia-flagged vessel Marinera, previously known as Bella-1. - American law enforcement are reported to be aboard the tanker and supported by US armed forces, with no indications of gunfire during the operation. - US European Command said the action was taken pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court after the ship was tracked. Summary: The seizure was presented by US officials as enforcement under US legal authority targeting sanctioned or threatening vessels. Undetermined at this time.