US and UK aircraft assist in the seizure of Russian oil tanker
January 7, 2026
US Special Forces have seized the Marinera, an oil tanker previously named Bella 1, in the North Atlantic. In what appears to be a multinational operation, US military and Coast Guard personnel boarded the Russian-flagged tanker, supported by numerous aerial assets, including British RAF aircraft.
The response from Russia so far has been silent, despite the presence of a submarine and warships in the vicinity of the tanker.
Several US and British aircraft supported the operation, while US MH-6M Little Bird helicopters delivered the troops to the ship.
Previously sailing under a Panamanian flag, the US attempted to seize the Bella 1, IMO 9230880, in late December in relation to Iranian oil sanctions, but the tanker refused to be boarded. She fled across the Atlantic with the US in pursuit, reflagging as Russian and changing the ship’s name to Marinera in the process.
Statement from EUCOM
US European Command (EUCOM) has published a statement announcing the seizure, which reads:
“The U.S. Department of Justice & Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of War, today announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violations of U.S. sanctions. The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro.
“This seizure supports the President’s Proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere. The operation was executed by DHS components with support from the Department of War, showcasing a whole-of-government approach to protect the homeland.”
⚪️ The US seized control of the Russian-flagged Marinera oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean.
— Mediterranean Voice (@mediterranvoice) January 7, 2026
The ship, which is on the US sanctions list, was being tracked due to its connection to Venezuela.pic.twitter.com/xyryTPxirv
Multiple US and UK aircraft deploy to seize Venezuela-linked oil tanker
In the hours before the first confirmed reports of an attempt to seize the Russian-flagged tanker, keen watchers began reporting activity from multiple aircraft.
Notable was the launch of the AC-130J ‘Ghostrider’ gunships from Britain, the arrival of which had caused quite a stir over the weekend.
Alongside these were a trio of US Pilatus U-28A Draco special operations and tactical aircraft. A USAF KC-135 Stratotanker and P-8 Poseidon were also seen deploying from the UK.
UK RAF supports tanker seizure with multiple aircraft
The UK supported the effort with an RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint, which had been noted to be providing surveillance on the Bella 1 / Marinera in the days before the seizure. Deploying today alongside the RC for the RAF were a P-8 Poseidon and an Airbus A400M.
Shortly after the operation, the UK MoD confirmed it had provided support to the US in capturing the Bella 1. As well as RAF support from the air, the RFA Tideforce, a Tide Class tanker, assisted from the water.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP defended the involvement of the UK armed forces, 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.”
The MoD noted that disrupting the Russian ‘shadow fleet’ is a priority, and that it has already imposed sanctions on 520 such vessels. It claims that Russia’s oil revenues being down 27% compared to October ’24 show that these efforts are working
US Army ‘Little Bird’ MH-6M helicopters appear
When it came to boarding the oil tanker, at least one US Coast Guard vessel was involved – the USCGC Munro, a Legend-class cutter more often seen around Pacific islands than the North Atlantic.
Images shared by Russian media outlet RT showed what appeared to be a US Army MH-6M approaching the tanker.
BREAKING:
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) January 7, 2026
U.S. military forces are attempting to board Russia's shadow fleet tanker Marinera (formerly Bella 1) in the Atlantic
The New York Times says the tanker was previously named Bella 1 and sailed under the Panamanian flag.
After leaving Venezuela and coming under… pic.twitter.com/OFn7CdGjLi
These so-called ‘Killer Eggs’ would have needed to launch from a ship; the helo has no in-flight refuelling capability and doesn’t have the range to reach the Marinera from land.
Today’s operation to board and seize the Russian-flagged Iranian-linked oil tanker, Marinera (Bella 1), to the south of Iceland, was carried out by U.S. Navy SEALs flown in on MH-6M Little Birds assigned to the “Night Stalkers” of the U.S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation… pic.twitter.com/es5AiY3hmP
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 7, 2026
The US Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) has previously trained to operate the MH-6 Little Bird from US Coast Guard Cutters. Nevertheless, such a deployment is highly unusual, so it’s possible they launched from another maritime platform in the area.
Russian media noted the air buildup, but the narrative was somewhat different, calling it a ‘hijacking’ attempt and ‘unusual’.
🚨⚡️BREAKING AND UNUSUAL
— RussiaNews 🇷🇺 (@mog_russEN) January 7, 2026
Widespread NATO air mobilization in a desperate attempt to seize the Russian tanker Marinera.
Unprecedented air buildup in the operational area, exceeding assault teams with intensive American-British air cover.
At least 7 aircraft participating in the… https://t.co/diThCOYlTK pic.twitter.com/Bg6WLfe99m
Experts say that, judging by the height the tanker was floating at, there was no oil on board at the time of the seizure.
Little to no response from Russia so far
Several hours before the operation began, Russia deployed a submarine and several warships to escort the ‘shadow fleet’ tanker. Open source intelligence reports suggest at least four warships were in the vicinity of the Marinera, as well as one nuclear submarine.
It is unconfirmed at this time exactly what naval assets Russia deployed, although there were reports yesterday that the behemoth BS-329 ‘Belgorod’ submarine had mobilised.
🚨🇷🇺 Russia Deploys Special Purpose Submarine Belgorod
— Defence Index (@Defence_Index) January 7, 2026
Russia’s nuclear-powered special purpose submarine BS-329 “Belgorod” has reportedly put to sea.
Belgorod is among the longest submarines ever built and is operated by the Russian Navy for special missions, including deep… pic.twitter.com/hUOc2MAohu
So far, there has been no response from the Russian ships in the area, nor any official statement from Moscow.
What will happen to the oil tanker now?
According to the data platform Tanker Trackers, the Marinera has changed course and is now heading towards northern Scotland.
It takes two dots to draw a line, and we now appear to have a bearing. MARINERA (9230880) is now facing east-by-southeast towards northern Scotland/Shetland; thereabouts. pic.twitter.com/pBMM9GFiiw
— TankerTrackers.com, Inc. (@TankerTrackers) January 7, 2026
As noted, no oil is believed to be onboard, which raises the question: Why did Russia send a nuclear submarine to escort the tanker?
With the tanker headed towards the UK, there will no doubt be a thorough inspection conducted to discover what, if anything, it is carrying.
