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The United States has attempted to seize a tanker belonging to Russia in the North Atlantic, after a previous bid failed after it left for Venezuela, according to a British official.
The Marinera, an empty oil tanker, has transmitted positioning data that shows a sudden turn at 11.26am GMT in the Atlantic northwest of Scotland.
Aircraft position data also shows three US Air Force Pilatus U-28 Draco aircraft, used in support of special forces operations, moving north from Wick in northern Scotland.
An RAF P-8 Poseidon aircraft, which can be used for anti-submarine warfare and surveillance, has also moved to the area.
The British official did not provide further details on the operation other than confirming it took place, and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Russian state media reported that a helicopter was attempting to land US troops on the tanker.
Earlier on Wednesday, reports said Russia was sending a submarine and possibly other naval vessels to help tow the tanker back to Russia.
The US had earlier sought to impose sanctions on the ship, formerly known as Bella 1, as part of Iran-related sanctions in December. As it approached the Caribbean Sea, attempts were made to ram it, causing it to flee eastward across the Atlantic.
The US also cited the tanker’s lack of proper flag registration as grounds for seizure. The ship, at the time, was operating under a false Guyanese flag. Under the laws of the sea, warships are allowed to board suspected stateless vessels.
However, since it began its flight, the ship has been sold to a Russian company and legally re-flagged as a Russian ship.
The effort to seize the ship is likely to further strain Western relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid negotiations over a peace deal with Ukraine.
This is a developing story
