American special forces have used a small airfield in the remote north of Scotland for a bold mission to seize control of an oil tanker linked to Venezuela. Today, US military aircraft were spotted landing at Wick John O’Groats airport before continuing north towards Iceland.
The American forces have successfully taken over the Marinera, a Russian-flagged vessel previously known as Bella-1, which managed to evade Donald Trump’s naval blockade of Venezuela. The US European Command confirmed the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violating US sanctions, following a warrant issued by a US federal court and tracking by USCGC Munro.
The Ministry of Defence acknowledged that British military forces supported the American operation by providing RAF surveillance capabilities and the RFA Tideforce support vessel. The US Air Force’s special operations command deployed U-28A planes near Wick for intelligence gathering and coordination with other aircraft.
P8 Poseidon anti-submarine planes and KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft were also seen heading towards the tanker’s location. The vessel’s route was expected to pass near Scotland, the Faroe Islands, and south of Iceland on its way to Russia.
Vladimir Putin had deployed a submarine and naval ships to protect the Marinera, which was reportedly empty and not carrying oil. However, American forces successfully boarded the ship, thwarting Russia’s efforts to safeguard it.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry criticized the US and NATO for focusing excessive attention on the vessel, stating that it was sailing in international waters under the Russian flag and complying with maritime laws. US and UK forces closely monitored the tanker after it left the Caribbean, fearing its proximity to Venezuela.
Wick John O’Groats airport, located at the northeastern tip of the Scottish mainland, is managed by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited.