Russia Sends Fleet to Protect Oil Tanker
World
Russia has dispatched naval ships to escort an oil tanker crossing the Atlantic, which is also being monitored by US forces, reports CBS News, the American partner of the BBC.
The tanker, which is currently not carrying cargo, was previously used to transport Venezuelan oil. On Tuesday, it was located between Scotland and Iceland.
Last month, US President Donald Trump announced that he had ordered a blockade on sanctioned tankers either heading to or leaving Venezuela.
Earlier, the US Coast Guard attempted to board the Bella 1 tanker in the Caribbean Sea, suspecting it was en route to Venezuela. The vessel was accused of violating US sanctions and transporting Iranian oil. Subsequently, the tanker changed course, renamed itself Marinera, and re-registered from the flag of Guyana to Russia.
According to reports, the tanker’s approach to Europe coincided with the presence of about 10 US military transport planes and helicopters in the region.
Russia has stated it is “watching the situation with concern.” The escort by the Russian navy is being considered as a measure to ensure the safety of the ship and its crew.
Last month, US President Donald Trump announced that he had ordered a blockade on sanctioned tankers either heading to or leaving Venezuela.
Earlier, the US Coast Guard attempted to board the Bella 1 tanker in the Caribbean Sea, suspecting it was en route to Venezuela. The vessel was accused of violating US sanctions and transporting Iranian oil. Subsequently, the tanker changed course, renamed itself Marinera, and re-registered from the flag of Guyana to Russia.
According to reports, the tanker’s approach to Europe coincided with the presence of about 10 US military transport planes and helicopters in the region.
Russia has stated it is “watching the situation with concern.” The escort by the Russian navy is being considered as a measure to ensure the safety of the ship and its crew.
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