British forces join US operation to seize Russian-flagged oil tanker

The UK provided surveillance and naval support to a US operation that seized the Russian‑flagged tanker Marinera (formerly Bella‑1), the Ministry of Defence said. An emergency Commons statement is expected and the defence secretary will update MPs.

British military support was involved in a US operation that seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker, the Ministry of Defence has said. The vessel, reported as the Marinera and previously known as Bella‑1, has been linked by US authorities to past sanctions. The MoD described British involvement as surveillance and naval support and said the action was in compliance with international law. Russian officials have protested and raised legal concerns, reported as relating to the law of the sea. Known details: - The MoD reported that RAF surveillance and a naval support ship assisted US forces in the interception. - The tanker is identified as Marinera, formerly Bella‑1, and has been subject to previous US sanctions and allegations of sanctions evasion. - The defence secretary has said the action was lawful, and an emergency statement in the House of Commons is expected with a subsequent update to MPs. Summary: Officials report the tanker was seized during the US operation with UK support and the MoD has said the action complied with international law. Russia's transport ministry and other Russian officials have raised objections and noted potential legal issues. The current status is that the vessel is in US custody, according to reporting. An emergency statement in the Commons and a ministerial update to MPs are expected as the next public steps.