During a predawn operation on January 7, 2026, the United States, with support from the United Kingdom, seized the sanctioned oil tanker M/T Marinera, previously known as M/T Bella 1, after a pursuit lasting over two weeks.
The operation involved the U.S. Coast Guard national security cutter USCGC Munro (WMSL-755), which shadowed the tanker across the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) deployed MH-6M Little Birds as part of the special operations interdiction force. A U.S. Navy P-8A aircraft provided aerial surveillance to monitor Russian submarine activity during the operation.
This seizure is part of ongoing efforts to enforce sanctions against entities involved in the transport of oil in violation of international regulations. For more context on related actions, see recent developments regarding sanctions legislation.
