Overview
- Reuters, citing U.S. officials, reports American troops boarded the vessel after a pursuit lasting more than two weeks following failed Coast Guard attempts.
- Russian naval vessels, including a submarine, were nearby during the operation, according to Reuters and the Wall Street Journal.
- The tanker, formerly named Bella 1, had a Russian flag painted on its hull, was renamed Marinera, and was re-registered in Russia while under pursuit.
- Moscow issued a formal diplomatic note demanding the United States stop the chase as U.S. Southern Command stated it is prepared to counter sanctioned vessels in the region.
- The ship is under U.S. sanctions for shadow-fleet activity linked to illicit oil, and its recent Russian registration has complicated the legal basis for seizure.