Russia escorts tanker tracked by US in Atlantic
Russia has deployed naval assets to escort an oil tanker that is also being tracked by US forces as it transits the Atlantic, according to reports from CBS News. The vessel, previously known as Bella 1 and now operating under the name Marinera, is currently navigating waters between Iceland and the British Isles. The tanker has a history of transporting Venezuelan crude oil, although it is presently declaring that it is not carrying any cargo. US authorities have accused the ship of violating American sanctions by transporting Iranian oil. In recent weeks, the vessel reportedly changed its name and reflagged from Guyana to Russia, a move analysts say does not alter its legal or sanctions status. Last month, President Donald Trump announced a “blockade” targeting sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, a policy denounced by Caracas as an act […]