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The United States has seized the sanctioned supertanker Bella 1 in the North Atlantic, U.S. European Command said on Tuesday, confirming the culmination of days of heightened surveillance and military-backed enforcement activity.
An American military helicopter believed to be linked to U.S. special operations forces has been pictured operating alongside the sanctioned supertanker Marinera in the North Atlantic.
Peers from across the House of Lords have intensified pressure on the government over defence spending and planning delays, with senior figures warning that postponing clear investment decisions risks undermining the UK's industrial base.
The sanctioned supertanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, continues to steam northeast through the North Atlantic.
Ministers faced renewed pressure in the House of Lords on Tuesday over delays to the government’s Defence Investment Plan.
The United Kingdom and France have set out detailed plans for military involvement in Ukraine following any future ceasefire with Russia, including troop deployments, under a declaration agreed in Paris on Tuesday.
The UK has confirmed that it has delivered 13 Raven air defence systems and two prototype Gravehawk systems to Ukraine, with further Gravehawk units due to arrive shortly.
Labour MP Graeme Downie has warned that the UK risks becoming increasingly vulnerable to Russian aggression unless defence preparedness is accelerated
According to reports from CBS, U.S. forces are planning to seize the tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, rather than sink it.
The Royal Navy is operating seven frigates as 2026 begins, highlighting continued strain on the surface escort fleet as it transitions away from the Type 23.
