ONGOING CRIME BREAKING NEWS!
Starting on January 31ST, 2025, this thread is about CRIME NEWS as it breaks!
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ONGOING CRIME BREAKING NEWS!
Starting on January 31ST, 2025, this thread is about CRIME NEWS as it breaks!
Tresir
Well-known member
This article is about Greenland, Russian oil tanker, Iran, various. (Oil basically.)
It is becoming drama on the high seas now.
I didn't know where to put this but it is more Greenland and Russia rather than Venezuela. So i put it here for now as it seems something criminal may be happening.
news.sky.com
Russia is reportedly escorting an oil tanker the US tried to board off Venezuela. It comes after the White House has suggested US military action to secure its interests in Greenland is "always an option". Follow live below - and listen to The World podcast as you scroll.
Wednesday 7 January 2026 12:02, UK
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22 minute ago22m ago11:51
The Reform UK leader has been speaking this morning at a news conference in London, where he was asked about his views on Trump's threats to annex Greenland, potentially by military force.
Farage said: "What I will say is this - there are some genuine security concerns around Greenland - and that becomes ever more relevant with a retraction of the ice caps as we head towards the North Pole."
"There is a strong feeling in British intelligence circles, and many in NATO, that there needs to be a significant NATO base located directly on the north of Greenland," Farage added.
He said that Greenland "is not particularly keen" to do that and with the territory moving "further and further away from Danish control", it leaves the island open to being preyed upon by "very large amounts of Chinese money and... influence".
The Reform leader added, though, referring to the people of Greenland: "Of course, they are the people that must decide [on their fate]."
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43 minute ago43m ago11:30
Tracking data has revealed the location of a sanctioned crude oil tanker pursued by the US and reportedly escorted by the Russian navy.
The US Coast Guard previously tried to board the Bella 1 tanker off the coast of Venezuela in December and, as we reported at 7.43, the Wall Street Journal quotes an American official as saying a Russian submarine has been escorting the vessel.
After it left the Caribbean, the ship's name was changed from Bella 1 to Marinera, and it adopted the Russian flag, according to AI maritime analytics firm Windward.
Windward also reported the tanker painted a Russian flag on its hull to avoid capture by the US Coast Guard in the Atlantic.
Under international law, vessels flying a country's flag are under the protection of that nation.
The tanker appears to have sailed with a Guianan flag before this change.
The Marinera is now within Iceland's exclusive economic zone as of around 3.18am UK time this morning, according to maritime intelligence firm Marine Traffic, citing satellite data.
Where was the tanker before Venezuela?
The tanker loaded crude oil at KhargIsland in Iran in early September, according to maritime intelligence firm Kpler, before crossing the Atlantic.
It switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) in the Strait of Hormuz prior to loading, a common tactic observed among vessels loading sanctioned Iranian crude oil.
The vessel was then tracked from Iran, from where it apparently travelled with no load towards Venezuela.
It was seen on 17 December, then it appeared to retreat after the US announced it was actively pursuing it.
On 21 December, the tanker made 39 distress calls. The first distress call was made at 12.26 and the last at 17.13.
It was just over 500km (311 miles) from the coast of Antigua and Barbuda when it sent these calls.
An undated image of the Bella 1Hakon Rimmereid via Reuters
Since its retreat from the Caribbean Sea, it has travelled towards the North Atlantic and was seen on tracking on 3 January just over 1,000km (621 miles) from the Irish coast.
Today, it's just over 300km (186 miles) from Iceland.
The tanker was sanctioned by the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in June 2024 for its involvement in Iranian oil transport.
It is registered to a company based in Turkey, Louis Marine Shipholding ENT, which is also sanctioned.
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1 hour ago1h ago11:11
The US president "promised the American people he would secure our borders, confront narcoterrorism, dangerous drug cartels, and drug traffickers", she said
"Kudos to our servicemen and women and intelligence operators for their flawless execution of President Trump's order to deliver on his promise thru (sic) Operation Absolute Resolve," she added in a post on X last night.
The comments are in stark contrast to her views in 2019 - when she is quoted as saying a US military intervention in Venezuela would be a "disaster".
"Pushing for this civil war, pushing for the use of military force, will only end up with more suffering and death and disaster for the Venezuelan people," Gabbard apparently said on Fox News in 2019.
"Venezuela poses no threat to the United States," Gabbard also apparently said back then, according to The Independent.
"Congress has not authorised the United States to go to war in Venezuela, and there's no justification for our country to violate the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people," she added.
It should be noted, however, that Gabbard was a Democrat when she made the comments - and has since switched to Trump's Republican Party.
Reuters
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1 hour ago1h ago10:51
Martha Kelner and James Matthews, our US correspondents, answer a question from a viewer called Andrew in the latest episode of the Trump100 podcast.
He asked if Britain would defend the Falklands if Trump had plans to take the islands.
Matthews replies that no one is suggesting the islands in the South Atlantic are on Trump's wanted list yet - but Argentina certainly does want them, just as it did in 1982 when a war was fought after an Argentine force invaded.
"Of course we do still have this special relationship but Trump's got a pretty special relationship with Argentina's president, Javier Milei - the guy he was on stage with, with a chainsaw," Matthews adds.
Milei and Trump in SeptemberReuters
Trump has financial investments in Milei and Argentina, Matthews explains - so who knows if the US position on the Falklands could change?
But he acknowledges it is easy to get carried away and no one should be expecting the US to make a dramatic shift in this area.
That said, there would certainly be a doubt over US support for the UK, should Argentina invade the islands it calls the Las Malvinas again.
Kelner adds the fact the topic is even being discussed shows just how seismic a shift there has been.
Watch Kelner and Matthews discussing the issue below - or tap here to follow Trump100 wherever you get your podcasts.
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1 hour ago1h ago10:29
In a post on X responding to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Dmitriev said: "Buy Greenland with Venezuela oil? Innovative geopolitical M&A."
It seems likely Dmitriev means Mergers and Acquisitions with his reference to M&A, joking about Trump's recent geopolitical moves in a business context.
DmitrievFile pic/Reuters
The WSJ report said that Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said on Monday in a closed briefing that there wasn't an imminent invasion of Greenland planned and the US had the goal of purchasing the territory from Denmark.
The White House has said Greenland "is a national security priority" and Donald Trump has been "discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal", as we've been reporting.
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2 hour ago2h ago
It is becoming drama on the high seas now.
I didn't know where to put this but it is more Greenland and Russia rather than Venezuela. So i put it here for now as it seems something criminal may be happening.
Trump latest: Trump hails 'incredible' Davos trip - and promises Greenland 'deal' will be 'amazing' for US
Donald Trump says his time in Davos at the World Economic Forum was "incredible" and promises his 'deal' over Greenland will be "amazing" for the US. Elsewhere, EU leaders have gathered in Brussels for an emergency meeting. Watch and follow live.
Russia is reportedly escorting an oil tanker the US tried to board off Venezuela. It comes after the White House has suggested US military action to secure its interests in Greenland is "always an option". Follow live below - and listen to The World podcast as you scroll.
Wednesday 7 January 2026 12:02, UK
Why you can trust Sky NewsLatest news
- White House says military action in Greenland 'always an option' View post
- As Russian submarine reportedly escorts tanker pursued by US in Atlantic View post
- Sanctioned tanker tracked - after 'Russian flag painted on hull' View post
Would US target Greenland?
- Denmark warns US invasion would end NATO as Europe rallies round - a recap View post
- There's a sense in Greenland Trump could actually do it - analysis View post
More on Venezuela
- Venezuela to turn over up to 50 million barrels of oil to US, Trump says View post
- Colombian president compares US leader to Hitler View post
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22 minute ago22m ago11:51
Farage: Trump won't invade Greenland - but there are genuine security concerns
Nigel Farage believes Donald Trump won't invade Greenland while agreeing with Sir Keir Starmer that it belongs to its people.The Reform UK leader has been speaking this morning at a news conference in London, where he was asked about his views on Trump's threats to annex Greenland, potentially by military force.
Farage said: "What I will say is this - there are some genuine security concerns around Greenland - and that becomes ever more relevant with a retraction of the ice caps as we head towards the North Pole."
"There is a strong feeling in British intelligence circles, and many in NATO, that there needs to be a significant NATO base located directly on the north of Greenland," Farage added.
He said that Greenland "is not particularly keen" to do that and with the territory moving "further and further away from Danish control", it leaves the island open to being preyed upon by "very large amounts of Chinese money and... influence".
The Reform leader added, though, referring to the people of Greenland: "Of course, they are the people that must decide [on their fate]."
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43 minute ago43m ago11:30
Sanctioned oil tanker pursued by US tracked - after 'Russian flag painted on hull'
Tracking data has revealed the location of a sanctioned crude oil tanker pursued by the US and reportedly escorted by the Russian navy.
The US Coast Guard previously tried to board the Bella 1 tanker off the coast of Venezuela in December and, as we reported at 7.43, the Wall Street Journal quotes an American official as saying a Russian submarine has been escorting the vessel.
After it left the Caribbean, the ship's name was changed from Bella 1 to Marinera, and it adopted the Russian flag, according to AI maritime analytics firm Windward.
Windward also reported the tanker painted a Russian flag on its hull to avoid capture by the US Coast Guard in the Atlantic.
Under international law, vessels flying a country's flag are under the protection of that nation.
The tanker appears to have sailed with a Guianan flag before this change.
The Marinera is now within Iceland's exclusive economic zone as of around 3.18am UK time this morning, according to maritime intelligence firm Marine Traffic, citing satellite data.
Where was the tanker before Venezuela?
The tanker loaded crude oil at KhargIsland in Iran in early September, according to maritime intelligence firm Kpler, before crossing the Atlantic.
It switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) in the Strait of Hormuz prior to loading, a common tactic observed among vessels loading sanctioned Iranian crude oil.
The vessel was then tracked from Iran, from where it apparently travelled with no load towards Venezuela.
It was seen on 17 December, then it appeared to retreat after the US announced it was actively pursuing it.
On 21 December, the tanker made 39 distress calls. The first distress call was made at 12.26 and the last at 17.13.
It was just over 500km (311 miles) from the coast of Antigua and Barbuda when it sent these calls.
An undated image of the Bella 1Hakon Rimmereid via Reuters
Since its retreat from the Caribbean Sea, it has travelled towards the North Atlantic and was seen on tracking on 3 January just over 1,000km (621 miles) from the Irish coast.
Today, it's just over 300km (186 miles) from Iceland.
The tanker was sanctioned by the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in June 2024 for its involvement in Iranian oil transport.
It is registered to a company based in Turkey, Louis Marine Shipholding ENT, which is also sanctioned.
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1 hour ago1h ago11:11
From 'disaster' to 'flawless' intervention: US intelligence director's apparent Venezuela U-turn
Tulsi Gabbard, US director of national intelligence, has praised her boss, Donald Trump, for his intervention in Venezuela.The US president "promised the American people he would secure our borders, confront narcoterrorism, dangerous drug cartels, and drug traffickers", she said
"Kudos to our servicemen and women and intelligence operators for their flawless execution of President Trump's order to deliver on his promise thru (sic) Operation Absolute Resolve," she added in a post on X last night.
The comments are in stark contrast to her views in 2019 - when she is quoted as saying a US military intervention in Venezuela would be a "disaster".
"Pushing for this civil war, pushing for the use of military force, will only end up with more suffering and death and disaster for the Venezuelan people," Gabbard apparently said on Fox News in 2019.
"Venezuela poses no threat to the United States," Gabbard also apparently said back then, according to The Independent.
"Congress has not authorised the United States to go to war in Venezuela, and there's no justification for our country to violate the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people," she added.
It should be noted, however, that Gabbard was a Democrat when she made the comments - and has since switched to Trump's Republican Party.
Reuters
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1 hour ago1h ago10:51
Trump100: What if the US wanted the Falklands too?
It would have been unthinkable just a short time ago but, as our coverage makes clear today, there are genuine fears American forces could invade an ally in Greenland.Martha Kelner and James Matthews, our US correspondents, answer a question from a viewer called Andrew in the latest episode of the Trump100 podcast.
He asked if Britain would defend the Falklands if Trump had plans to take the islands.
Matthews replies that no one is suggesting the islands in the South Atlantic are on Trump's wanted list yet - but Argentina certainly does want them, just as it did in 1982 when a war was fought after an Argentine force invaded.
"Of course we do still have this special relationship but Trump's got a pretty special relationship with Argentina's president, Javier Milei - the guy he was on stage with, with a chainsaw," Matthews adds.
Milei and Trump in SeptemberReuters
Trump has financial investments in Milei and Argentina, Matthews explains - so who knows if the US position on the Falklands could change?
But he acknowledges it is easy to get carried away and no one should be expecting the US to make a dramatic shift in this area.
That said, there would certainly be a doubt over US support for the UK, should Argentina invade the islands it calls the Las Malvinas again.
Kelner adds the fact the topic is even being discussed shows just how seismic a shift there has been.
Watch Kelner and Matthews discussing the issue below - or tap here to follow Trump100 wherever you get your podcasts.
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1 hour ago1h ago10:29
Kremlin envoy jokes about US using oil money from Venezuela to buy Greenland
More from Russia now, with Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev again weighing in on the US intervention in Venezuela.In a post on X responding to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Dmitriev said: "Buy Greenland with Venezuela oil? Innovative geopolitical M&A."
It seems likely Dmitriev means Mergers and Acquisitions with his reference to M&A, joking about Trump's recent geopolitical moves in a business context.
DmitrievFile pic/Reuters
The WSJ report said that Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said on Monday in a closed briefing that there wasn't an imminent invasion of Greenland planned and the US had the goal of purchasing the territory from Denmark.
The White House has said Greenland "is a national security priority" and Donald Trump has been "discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal", as we've been reporting.
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2 hour ago2h ago
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Cousin Dupree
Keep Others Safe
Notorious New York City ’Torso Killer’ confesses to another murder years later
The 79-year-old has been imprisoned since his arrest in 1980
www.the-independent.com
Tresir
Well-known member
The UK supported the US in seizing the Russian oil tanker. There is due to be a statement at 7pm (2 hours time) in the Commons this evening.
news.sky.com
9m ago16:50
In normal times (whatever they are), UK assistance in an operation like this probably wouldn't be seen as too much of a big deal.
The UK and US are close military allies.
The tanker in question has links back to Russia, Iran and Venezuela – and is sanctioned by the US.
Tackling the so-called "shadow fleet" of vessels attempting to avoid restrictions has been a priority for the UK.
What gives events of today more bite is the geo-political climate they are set against.
Of course, there are the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West and the risk of the Ukraine conflict spilling out into other parts of the world.
But the friction being generated by Donald Trump's recent escapades may also cause some in Westminster to worry about UK military involvement.
If we're helping here – might requests come in for assistance in more controversial operations?
One of the very first comments from Downing Street after the Caracas raid was to explicitly state that the UK was not involved in any way.
There's a tightrope to walk here.
He may not say it out loud, but events in Venezuela will not sit comfortably with the ex-human rights barrister running the UK government.
Threats towards Greenland certainly don't sit well, and Sir Keir Starmer has put that into words.
But we still need the US - its military might and its economic might.
So when the White House says "jump", it's still a fair bet that Downing Street will ask "how high?".
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43 minute ago43m ago16:16
It comes after the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the armed forces provided support to the US during its seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker on Wednesday.
Pic: US European Command
The vessel, previously known as the Bella 1, had been renamed the Marinera and was sailing under a Russian flag as it fled the US pursuit in the Atlantic. The tanker appears to have sailed with a Guyana flag before this change.
The MoD said UK armed forces provided pre-planned operational support, including basing, to US military assets following a US request for assistance.
The RFA Tideforce - a tide-class replenishment tanker - provided support for US forces pursuing and interdicting the Bella 1, while the RAF provided surveillance support from the air.
John Healey will address MPs at approximately 7pm.
Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge will be responding to the statement for the Conservatives.
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Politics latest: Scottish Labour leader has not spoken to Starmer since calling for him to quit
Anas Sarwar tells Sky News he has not had a conversation with the prime minister since early February, when he called for Starmer to quit.
9m ago16:50
Why UK support in US seizure of tanker has some extra bite in this geo-political climate
In normal times (whatever they are), UK assistance in an operation like this probably wouldn't be seen as too much of a big deal.
The UK and US are close military allies.
The tanker in question has links back to Russia, Iran and Venezuela – and is sanctioned by the US.
Tackling the so-called "shadow fleet" of vessels attempting to avoid restrictions has been a priority for the UK.
What gives events of today more bite is the geo-political climate they are set against.
Of course, there are the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West and the risk of the Ukraine conflict spilling out into other parts of the world.
But the friction being generated by Donald Trump's recent escapades may also cause some in Westminster to worry about UK military involvement.
If we're helping here – might requests come in for assistance in more controversial operations?
One of the very first comments from Downing Street after the Caracas raid was to explicitly state that the UK was not involved in any way.
There's a tightrope to walk here.
He may not say it out loud, but events in Venezuela will not sit comfortably with the ex-human rights barrister running the UK government.
Threats towards Greenland certainly don't sit well, and Sir Keir Starmer has put that into words.
But we still need the US - its military might and its economic might.
So when the White House says "jump", it's still a fair bet that Downing Street will ask "how high?".
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43 minute ago43m ago16:16
Emergency statement to be made in Commons after UK armed forces supported US seizure of tanker
The defence secretary will make an emergency statement on the seizure of the Marinera tanker in the Commons this evening.It comes after the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the armed forces provided support to the US during its seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker on Wednesday.
Pic: US European Command
The vessel, previously known as the Bella 1, had been renamed the Marinera and was sailing under a Russian flag as it fled the US pursuit in the Atlantic. The tanker appears to have sailed with a Guyana flag before this change.
The MoD said UK armed forces provided pre-planned operational support, including basing, to US military assets following a US request for assistance.
The RFA Tideforce - a tide-class replenishment tanker - provided support for US forces pursuing and interdicting the Bella 1, while the RAF provided surveillance support from the air.
John Healey will address MPs at approximately 7pm.
Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge will be responding to the statement for the Conservatives.
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GrandmaBear
Well-known member
I'd say it's hypocrisy for some now to support Putin just because Trump sized a Russian flagged tanker... If previously they were anti Putin...
With that, I'll leave it. Interesting news though. Very.
With that, I'll leave it. Interesting news though. Very.
GrandmaBear
Well-known member
I actually came in here to say that for anyone who is aware of the Sarah Grace Patrick case/trial, it got delayed, go figure. I think it was due to start this month or in February. Defense of course at last minute having some issue re an expert. Go figure. Last minute of course. And It got put off to AUGUST. The usual efficiency of our courts.
Mel70
I miss you Oreo.
There are always bodies found in bodies 9f water. But not at such a high number. We're a big metro area. It happens occasionally. This does seem strange. Granted they are from all different walks of life. Which is not the usual MO for serial killers. The exception I can think of is Ramirez. Of course LE is going to say there is no serial killer. They don't want public panic.
GrandmaBear
Well-known member
Yeah, they say Houston is full of bayous, everywhere you go and so it doesn't seem so strange in that sense but when you listen to it and the sheer number and h ow many was it in September like day after day after day. I mean there's just way too many. Hard to believe that all were accidents or suicides. They said of course some turn out to be homicides but they seem to imply there aren't that many and so on.
IDK if it's a SK with some but there's sure way too many AND there is clearly SOME problem going on to have so many.
Cousin Dupree
Keep Others Safe
@Mel70 and @GrandmaBear
www.bbc.com
US immigration officer fatally shoots woman in Minneapolis, officials say
Local officials accuse immigration agents of "recklessly using power", as federal authorities say the officer fired shots in self-defence.
www.bbc.com
Tresir
Well-known member
There was a second tanker seized too, in the Caribbean.
www.bbc.com
The United States says it has seized two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports in "back-to-back" operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean.
US forces boarded the Russian-flagged Marinera after a pursuit lasting almost two weeks and as it travelled through the waters between Iceland and Scotland. The British Navy gave logistical support by air and sea.
A second tanker - the M/T Sophia - was accused by the US of "conducting illicit activities" and boarded in the Caribbean.
The moves come as the US seeks to choke off most exports of Venezuelan crude oil, and just days after its special forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a lighting raid on his residence in Caracas.
In a post on X, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote: "The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT - anywhere in the world."
Moscow has denounced the seizure of the tanker sailing under its flag, and demanded that the US treat Russians on board properly and permits them to return to Russia quickly.
The transport ministry said it had given the vessel "temporary permission" to use the Russian flag, adding that no state had the right to use force against vessels properly registered in other states' jurisdictions.
Reports suggested that Russia dispatched a submarine to safeguard the vessel, but it appears that US forces were able to board the tanker without facing any resistance.
The White House described the ship as a "Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel deemed stateless after flying a false flag and had a judicial order" against it.
"They understand that the only way they can move oil and generate revenue and not have economic collapse is if they co-operate and work with the United States," Rubio told reporters.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump had said that Venezuela - which has the world's largest oil reserves - "will be turning over" up to 50 million barrels of oil worth some $2.8bn (£2.1bn) to the US.
Rubio, who briefed US lawmakers on the ongoing operation in Venezuela on Wednesday, said that the US would sell oil that is in Venezuela "in the marketplace at market rates" and that the US would control how the proceeds were dispersed "in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people".
He said the US had a considered plan for the future of Venezuela, and that the administration was "not just winging it".
Rubio said the Trump administration's plan in Venezuela is stabilization, recovery and then transition.
But the discussions surrounding oil were only one component of concern US lawmakers had over the escalating conflict.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said lawmakers need answers to lingering questions of how many US troops could be involved and how much money the US involvement in Venezuela will cost.
Republicans largely appeared to back the administration's moves in the region, though some expressed concern about what kind of say Congres has.
The Senate is expected to vote next week on a bipartisan war powers resolution - an attempt to block continued military action in Venezuela. A war powers resolution - created in the wake of the Vietnam War - limits a president's power to involve US armed forces in hostilities without congressional approval.
"If we're going to have continued engagement in the next phase, I think it has got to be subject to [ war powers]," North Carolina's Thom Tillis said.
Meanwhile, Missouri's Josh Hawley said if the administration's actions were a law enforcement operation, then it does not require congressional approval, but "if it's a military operation involving a foreign head of government, even one we don't recognize officially, that's a very different situation".
China - the biggest buyer of Venezuelan oil in recent years - has condemned the US moves and accused it of threatening global energy security.
Image source,US European Command
Image caption,
A US Coast Guard official looks through binoculars at the ship Marinera (former name Bella 1)
The seizure of the two tankers was announced by the US military in separate posts on social media on Wednesday.
The US European Command said the M/V Bella 1 - using the former name of the Marinera - was boarded "for violations of US sanctions".
"The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro", a Coast Guard cutter.
Britain's Ministry of Defence said RAF surveillance aircraft and a naval support vessel, the RFA Tideforce, were among the UK military assets that took part in the operation, following a US request for assistance.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the action was "in full compliance with international law", and "formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions- busting".
The vessel has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil.
Images published by Russian state broadcaster RT show a helicopter close to a ship that appears to be the M/V Bella 1.
The Russian Maritime Register of Shipping shows that the tanker had changed its name to Marinera, and was sailing under the Russian flag. Its home port stated as the southern Russian city of Sochi on the Black Sea.
The Russian transport ministry said US forces boarded the Marinera at about 15:00 Moscow time (1200 GMT), after which communications with the vessel were lost.
US officials said that Marinera was falsely flying the flag of Guyana last month, which made it stateless.
Experts told BBC Verify that the US called the ship Bella 1 as a vessel cannot change its flag during a voyage unless there was a real transfer of ownership or change of registry.
The experts also said that under UN international maritime law, a stateless vessel can be boarded by authorities.
Separately, the US Southern Command announced on Wednesday that the defence and homeland security departments "apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident".
"The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea. The US Coast Guard is escorting M/T Sophia to the U.S. for final disposition."
The US Southern Command also posted a video showing a helicopter circling over a vessel.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that "in two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously co-ordinated boarding of two 'ghost fleet' tanker ships".
She said both seized vessels "were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it".
US seizes two 'ghost fleet' tankers linked to Venezuelan oil
The ships were boarded by US forces in predawn operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea.
www.bbc.com
The United States says it has seized two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports in "back-to-back" operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean.
US forces boarded the Russian-flagged Marinera after a pursuit lasting almost two weeks and as it travelled through the waters between Iceland and Scotland. The British Navy gave logistical support by air and sea.
A second tanker - the M/T Sophia - was accused by the US of "conducting illicit activities" and boarded in the Caribbean.
The moves come as the US seeks to choke off most exports of Venezuelan crude oil, and just days after its special forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a lighting raid on his residence in Caracas.
In a post on X, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote: "The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT - anywhere in the world."
Moscow has denounced the seizure of the tanker sailing under its flag, and demanded that the US treat Russians on board properly and permits them to return to Russia quickly.
The transport ministry said it had given the vessel "temporary permission" to use the Russian flag, adding that no state had the right to use force against vessels properly registered in other states' jurisdictions.
Reports suggested that Russia dispatched a submarine to safeguard the vessel, but it appears that US forces were able to board the tanker without facing any resistance.
The White House described the ship as a "Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel deemed stateless after flying a false flag and had a judicial order" against it.
- UK forces helped US seizure of tanker, says MoD
- Published
1 hour ago
- Published
- Published
2 hours ago
- Published
"They understand that the only way they can move oil and generate revenue and not have economic collapse is if they co-operate and work with the United States," Rubio told reporters.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump had said that Venezuela - which has the world's largest oil reserves - "will be turning over" up to 50 million barrels of oil worth some $2.8bn (£2.1bn) to the US.
Rubio, who briefed US lawmakers on the ongoing operation in Venezuela on Wednesday, said that the US would sell oil that is in Venezuela "in the marketplace at market rates" and that the US would control how the proceeds were dispersed "in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people".
He said the US had a considered plan for the future of Venezuela, and that the administration was "not just winging it".
Rubio said the Trump administration's plan in Venezuela is stabilization, recovery and then transition.
But the discussions surrounding oil were only one component of concern US lawmakers had over the escalating conflict.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said lawmakers need answers to lingering questions of how many US troops could be involved and how much money the US involvement in Venezuela will cost.
Republicans largely appeared to back the administration's moves in the region, though some expressed concern about what kind of say Congres has.
The Senate is expected to vote next week on a bipartisan war powers resolution - an attempt to block continued military action in Venezuela. A war powers resolution - created in the wake of the Vietnam War - limits a president's power to involve US armed forces in hostilities without congressional approval.
"If we're going to have continued engagement in the next phase, I think it has got to be subject to [ war powers]," North Carolina's Thom Tillis said.
Meanwhile, Missouri's Josh Hawley said if the administration's actions were a law enforcement operation, then it does not require congressional approval, but "if it's a military operation involving a foreign head of government, even one we don't recognize officially, that's a very different situation".
China - the biggest buyer of Venezuelan oil in recent years - has condemned the US moves and accused it of threatening global energy security.
Image caption,
A US Coast Guard official looks through binoculars at the ship Marinera (former name Bella 1)
The seizure of the two tankers was announced by the US military in separate posts on social media on Wednesday.
The US European Command said the M/V Bella 1 - using the former name of the Marinera - was boarded "for violations of US sanctions".
"The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro", a Coast Guard cutter.
Britain's Ministry of Defence said RAF surveillance aircraft and a naval support vessel, the RFA Tideforce, were among the UK military assets that took part in the operation, following a US request for assistance.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the action was "in full compliance with international law", and "formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions- busting".
The vessel has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil.
Images published by Russian state broadcaster RT show a helicopter close to a ship that appears to be the M/V Bella 1.
The Russian Maritime Register of Shipping shows that the tanker had changed its name to Marinera, and was sailing under the Russian flag. Its home port stated as the southern Russian city of Sochi on the Black Sea.
The Russian transport ministry said US forces boarded the Marinera at about 15:00 Moscow time (1200 GMT), after which communications with the vessel were lost.
US officials said that Marinera was falsely flying the flag of Guyana last month, which made it stateless.
Experts told BBC Verify that the US called the ship Bella 1 as a vessel cannot change its flag during a voyage unless there was a real transfer of ownership or change of registry.
The experts also said that under UN international maritime law, a stateless vessel can be boarded by authorities.
Separately, the US Southern Command announced on Wednesday that the defence and homeland security departments "apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident".
"The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea. The US Coast Guard is escorting M/T Sophia to the U.S. for final disposition."
The US Southern Command also posted a video showing a helicopter circling over a vessel.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that "in two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously co-ordinated boarding of two 'ghost fleet' tanker ships".
She said both seized vessels "were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it".
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Last edited:
GrandmaBear
Well-known member
Thank you by the way for the help of your guys for our guys lolThere was a second tanker seized too, in the Caribbean.
US seizes two 'ghost fleet' tankers linked to Venezuelan oil
The ships were boarded by US forces in predawn operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea.
The United States says it has seized two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports in "back-to-back" operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean.
US forces boarded the Russian-flagged Marinera after a pursuit lasting almost two weeks and as it travelled through the waters between Iceland and Scotland. The British Navy gave logistical support by air and sea.
A second tanker - the M/T Sophia - was accused by the US of "conducting illicit activities" and boarded in the Caribbean.
The moves come as the US seeks to choke off most exports of Venezuelan crude oil, and just days after its special forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a lighting raid on his residence in Caracas.
In a post on X, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote: "The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT - anywhere in the world."
Moscow has denounced the seizure of the tanker sailing under its flag, and demanded that the US treat Russians on board properly and permits them to return to Russia quickly.
The transport ministry said it had given the vessel "temporary permission" to use the Russian flag, adding that no state had the right to use force against vessels properly registered in other states' jurisdictions.
Reports suggested that Russia dispatched a submarine to safeguard the vessel, but it appears that US forces were able to board the tanker without facing any resistance.
The White House described the ship as a "Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel deemed stateless after flying a false flag and had a judicial order" against it.
Venezuela's leadership is co-operating with the US on the second tanker seized in the Caribbean, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
- UK forces helped US seizure of tanker, says MoD
- Published
1 hour ago
- Published
2 hours ago
"They understand that the only way they can move oil and generate revenue and not have economic collapse is if they co-operate and work with the United States," Rubio told reporters.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump had said that Venezuela - which has the world's largest oil reserves - "will be turning over" up to 50 million barrels of oil worth some $2.8bn (£2.1bn) to the US.
Rubio, who briefed US lawmakers on the ongoing operation in Venezuela on Wednesday, said that the US would sell oil that is in Venezuela "in the marketplace at market rates" and that the US would control how the proceeds were dispersed "in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people".
He said the US had a considered plan for the future of Venezuela, and that the administration was "not just winging it".
Rubio said the Trump administration's plan in Venezuela is stabilization, recovery and then transition.
But the discussions surrounding oil were only one component of concern US lawmakers had over the escalating conflict.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said lawmakers need answers to lingering questions of how many US troops could be involved and how much money the US involvement in Venezuela will cost.
Republicans largely appeared to back the administration's moves in the region, though some expressed concern about what kind of say Congres has.
The Senate is expected to vote next week on a bipartisan war powers resolution - an attempt to block continued military action in Venezuela. A war powers resolution - created in the wake of the Vietnam War - limits a president's power to involve US armed forces in hostilities without congressional approval.
"If we're going to have continued engagement in the next phase, I think it has got to be subject to [ war powers]," North Carolina's Thom Tillis said.
Meanwhile, Missouri's Josh Hawley said if the administration's actions were a law enforcement operation, then it does not require congressional approval, but "if it's a military operation involving a foreign head of government, even one we don't recognize officially, that's a very different situation".
China - the biggest buyer of Venezuelan oil in recent years - has condemned the US moves and accused it of threatening global energy security.
Image source,US European Command
Image caption,
A US Coast Guard official looks through binoculars at the ship Marinera (former name Bella 1)
The seizure of the two tankers was announced by the US military in separate posts on social media on Wednesday.
The US European Command said the M/V Bella 1 - using the former name of the Marinera - was boarded "for violations of US sanctions".
"The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro", a Coast Guard cutter.
Britain's Ministry of Defence said RAF surveillance aircraft and a naval support vessel, the RFA Tideforce, were among the UK military assets that took part in the operation, following a US request for assistance.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the action was "in full compliance with international law", and "formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions- busting".
The vessel has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil.
Images published by Russian state broadcaster RT show a helicopter close to a ship that appears to be the M/V Bella 1.
The Russian Maritime Register of Shipping shows that the tanker had changed its name to Marinera, and was sailing under the Russian flag. Its home port stated as the southern Russian city of Sochi on the Black Sea.
The Russian transport ministry said US forces boarded the Marinera at about 15:00 Moscow time (1200 GMT), after which communications with the vessel were lost.
US officials said that Marinera was falsely flying the flag of Guyana last month, which made it stateless.
Experts told BBC Verify that the US called the ship Bella 1 as a vessel cannot change its flag during a voyage unless there was a real transfer of ownership or change of registry.
The experts also said that under UN international maritime law, a stateless vessel can be boarded by authorities.
Separately, the US Southern Command announced on Wednesday that the defence and homeland security departments "apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident".
"The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea. The US Coast Guard is escorting M/T Sophia to the U.S. for final disposition."
The US Southern Command also posted a video showing a helicopter circling over a vessel.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that "in two predawn operations today, the Coast Guard conducted back-to-back meticulously co-ordinated boarding of two 'ghost fleet' tanker ships".
She said both seized vessels "were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it".
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And gals of course.
Tresir
Well-known member
We are allies so YVW. I am glad nobody got hurt, including the Russian crew.Thank you by the way for the help of your guys for our guys lol
Guess Who
Well-known member
Investigators say they also found a handwritten note titled “How many times mom tells me that she can’t pick me up,” with 87 marks.
“Which would lead one to believe that at least 87 occasions she wanted her mom to come back up. And she didn’t,” Burch said.
“Which would lead one to believe that at least 87 occasions she wanted her mom to come back up. And she didn’t,” Burch said.
GrandmaBear
Well-known member
WHOA.
GrandmaBear
Well-known member
Cemeteries and mausoleums were desecrated. Not sure what they are looking at yet with the bodies... This sounds like something else. An arrest HAS been made.
GrandmaBear
Well-known member
None of them have EVER seen anything like this before.
Mel70
I miss you Oreo.
Good God!!! Those pictures. And why are these always seem to be the people who have multiple animals?. Poor dog that died. Been living by herself for months!!! They look like tweakers. That poor girl. Yeah. I bet her mother was sending her food by Doordash. 87 times her mother couldn't get her. 87 tines she didn't want to!!!
Mel70
I miss you Oreo.
I can't believe the depravity of this!!! The families, I can't imagine. The investigation they have to do to figure out who the remains are. That sounds like Gein. I hope they didn't have souvenirs. But, I certainly don't understand the motive behind this. Grave robbing you just take valuables. That is horrid and evil enough.
GrandmaBear
Well-known member
I just now finished listening to it all. AWFUL. Even whether full remains, partial and so much more. Jewelry, a reporter asked about that... Motive...I can't believe the depravity of this!!! The families, I can't imagine. The investigation they have to do to figure out who the remains are. That sounds like Gein. I hope they didn't have souvenirs. But, I certainly don't understand the motive behind this. Grave robbing you just take valuables. That is horrid and evil enough.