Britain helped the US detain a Russian tanker

The British armed forces supported the US in detaining the Russian oil tanker Mariner in international waters between the UK, Iceland, and Greenland. The vessel, formerly known as Bella 1, was subject to sanctions and, according to the US, violated the naval blockade of Venezuela. Writes The Telegraph.

The British Coast Guard, RAF spy planes, and US military aircraft operating from British bases were also involved in the two-week operation. RAF Poseidon MRA1 maritime patrol aircraft observed it over the North Atlantic shortly before it turned off its transponder.

Defense Minister John Healey confirmed British participation and described the tanker as a ship with a "questionable" history linked to the "Russian-Iranian axis." According to him, the intervention is part of a global effort against a shadow fleet that fuels conflicts and violates sanctions.

Healey stressed that the UK will continue to protect its security and economy. He described the operation as proof of a strong defense partnership with the US.

The Russian Ministry of Transport criticized the detention as a violation of international law. At the same time, the United States announced another intervention aboard the M/T Sophia in the Caribbean, which allegedly also violated sanctions.

(max)