For days, US Coast Guard vessel(s) have been following and trying to board what was then-called the "Bela 1" a Guyana-flagged oil tanker, after it departed Venezuela. In-transit, the ship was re-named the "Marinera" and was re-flagged as Russian. As of 8:57 AM EST, about two hours ago, U.S. Special Operations Forces forcibly boarded that vessel.
Yesterday, Russia ordered surface vessels and at least one submarine to respond to that vessel and to "protect it."
Below, an image appearing on Russian news website "RT" showing an MH-6 "Little Bird" used by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), famously known as the Night Stalkers flying at the "(Bela 1) Marinera" to board it and to take it.
The (Bela 1) "Marinera" is now reportedly under US control, is altering course, and heading to a port in Ireland. Below is a Maritime ship course/positionimage showing the course change toward a pot in Ireland:
No word yet on the location of Russian Navy surface fleet vessels or the attack submarine ordered deployed yesterday to "protect" that ship.
No word as to what Russian forces are going to do once they arrive, now that the ship has been forcibly taken by US forces.
Have the Russians been ordered to take the ship back? Have the Russians been ordered to fire upon the US Vessels involved in taking the ship?
No word on any of this . . . yet.
UPDATE 9:25 AM EST --
Intel Circuits are BLAZING. "Something very drastic has changed in regard to the relationship between Russia and the US."
Social Media is covering the situation:
"ATLANTIC STAND OFF BETWEEN RUSSIA AND THE UNITED STATES"
— WORLD AT WAR (@World_At_War_6) January 7, 2026
Russia reportedly dispatched a submarine and other naval vessels to escort the oil tanker Bella 1 as it transits the North Atlantic after fleeing Venezuelan waters.
This move has created a high-stakes maritime standoff… pic.twitter.com/TOTJI6y3E9
UPDATE 10:09 AM EST --
The American military has seized the tanker "Mariner" under the Russian flag. HOWEVER, the US Coast Guard confirms the ship is EMPTY of cargo. No "sanctioned" oil.
So by what authority has the United States "seized" a Russian vessel in International Waters?
U.S. STATEMENT:
U.S. European Command (EUCOM) has published a statement announcing this morning’s operation which resulted in the successful seizure of the Russian-flagged Iranian-linked oil tanker, Marinera, also known as the Bella 1, stating:
“The U.S. Department of Justice & Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of War today announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violations of U.S. sanctions.
The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro.
This seizure supports the President’s Proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere.
The operation was executed by DHS components with support from the Department of War, showcasing a whole-of-government approach to protect the homeland.”
UPDATE 38 AM EST --
The government of Russia has issued a public statement about the US using force against a Russian-flagged vessel this morning:
Hal Turner Analysis
The seizure of the tanker won't just deprive Russia of a large-tonnage vessel. The consequences could be much more dire.
When Russia shows weakness, an enemy won’t just stop at seizure of a tanker, expect huge escalation on all fronts including in Ukraine.
Talks are currently ongoing between Moscow and Washington. The "seized" vessel still remains at sea.
The Russian Ministry of Transport made the statement above referencing "International law" but I'd call that BS. The US has made it clear through actions no such laws exist.
The world is beginning to chime-in:
The only meaningful response Russia has to the US seizure of a Venezuela-linked oil tanker on the high seas, flying a Russian flag and operating under Russian escort, is to mirror the Iranian playbook. Find a tanker carrying oil to the United States and seize it. Power respects…
— Elijah J. Magnier 🇪🇺 (@ejmalrai) January 7, 2026
1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea: “No state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states.”
UH OH!
So called “peace deal” was impossible from the very beginning. The pure waste of time. Russia is morally prepared now to radical full fledged war with the West.
— Alexander Dugin (@AGDugin) January 7, 2026
