On January 6, according to US intelligence sources, the Pentagon is preparing for an unprecedented interception in the North Atlantic Ocean. The target is the Bella 1 ship - a vehicle suspected of changing maritime registration to Russia while being chased, increasing tensions between the US and Russia.
This ship was originally on the 2024 sanctions list because it belonged to the "dark fleet" specializing in transporting smuggled oil to Venezuela. When it was fiercely pursued by the US Coast Guard last month, instead of surrendering, the crew directly painted the Russian flag on the hull and declared that the ship is currently operating under the protection of the Kremlin.
Immediately after this "disguise", the ship suddenly appeared in Russia's official maritime registration book with a brand new name - Marinera. Moscow immediately sent a diplomatic note requesting the US to stop pursuing "Russian assets", turning the case from a criminal arrest warrant into a complex dispute.
Responding to Russia's move, the US not only did not withdraw but also increased firepower. Aviation data recorded the unusual appearance of 2 AC-130 aircraft (nickname "Flying Fortress") at Mildenhall base in England on January 4. This is a heavy attack aircraft equipped with artillery, usually only used to support ground fire, rarely mobilized for ship capturing missions.
In addition, 12 C-17 transport aircraft and V-22 Osprey hybrid helicopters have also been gathered in the UK. The presence of KC-135 refueling aircraft in the North Atlantic airspace shows that a large-scale air strike or landing operation of the Special Forces (SOF) is being activated.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that the "complete blockade" of Venezuelan oil will be thoroughly implemented despite the intervention of a third country. However, experts warn that the arrest of the Marinera ship will be much more difficult than previous incidents.
In addition to harsh weather conditions, the US special forces team (most likely the Maritime Special Response Team - MSRT) will face the risk of armed clashes if Russia decides to intervene to protect this ship. The US deployment of the AC-130 to the scene is considered the highest deterrent message sent to any force intending to block the way.
