American special forces have utilized a small airfield in the remote north of Scotland to coordinate a bold mission to seize an oil tanker linked to Venezuela. Reports from aircraft tracking sites indicate that US military planes landed at Wick John O’Groats airport earlier today before proceeding north toward Iceland.
Following the operation, American forces confirmed the capture of the Marinera, a Russian-flagged vessel formerly known as Bella-1, which reportedly evaded Donald Trump’s naval blockade of Venezuela. The US European Command later stated that they had seized the M/V Bella 1 for violating US sanctions after tracking it with 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. US Air Force U-28A planes were observed near Wick, assisting in intelligence gathering and coordinating other aircraft.
In addition to the U-28A aircraft, P8 Poseidon anti-submarine planes and KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft were seen heading towards the tanker’s location. The pursuit of the vessel by the US follows recent events in Venezuela that led to the arrest of then-president Nicolas Maduro. The vessel was intercepted in international waters en route to Russia, passing near Scotland, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland.
Vladimir Putin’s attempts to protect the Marinera with submarines and naval ships were thwarted when American forces boarded the vessel. Russia’s Foreign Ministry criticized the disproportionate attention from US and NATO forces, stating that the vessel was complying with international maritime laws.
US and UK forces closely monitored the ship after it left the Caribbean two weeks ago, fearing its proximity to Venezuela. Wick John O’ Groats airport, located in the northeastern part of mainland Scotland, is managed by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited.