US special forces have arrived in the United Kingdom as Washington moves to intercept a sanctioned oil tanker accused of evading the Trump administration’s blockade on Venezuelan crude and racing toward Russia.

Cargo aircraft carrying helicopters and personnel landed at RAF Fairford, as US and allied forces stage for a possible high-risk boarding operation against the tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1.

The vessel, described by US officials as part of a “shadow fleet” used to bypass international sanctions, is believed to be operating under a Russian flag in the North Atlantic, roughly 500 miles west of Ireland, en route to Russia.

Troops from America’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers, have reportedly deployed Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters capable of fast-roping commandos onto large vessels. Three V-22 Ospreys operating out of RAF Mildenhall have also joined the mission, alongside surveillance aircraft and refuelling jets.

US and UK military activity intensified after the tanker was tracked resurfacing at sea, having previously slipped away from US forces in the Caribbean following Donald Trump’s announcement of a “total and complete blockade” on Venezuelan oil exports.

The tanker is alleged to be linked to Iran and accused of helping sanctioned regimes, including those of Vladimir Putin and Nicolás Maduro, continue oil trading despite restrictions. During the pursuit, the crew reportedly painted a Russian flag on the hull and later re-registered the ship under a new name in Russia.

Defence sources said the build-up at RAF Fairford indicates preparations for a hostile boarding, while naval patrol aircraft continue to monitor the tanker’s movements.

US officials told American media that the preference is to seize the tanker rather than sink it, mirroring a helicopter-borne raid carried out last month on another sanctioned vessel. A decision on whether to proceed with the operation is expected within days.

Nigerian Army Confirms Raid on Imo Hideout of ‘Unknown Gunmen’ Leader, Gentle De Yahoo; Five Killed Including Deputy
The Nigerian Army has confirmed a raid on the residence of suspected “Unknown Gunmen” leader, Gentle De Yahoo, in Aku, Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.

Troops of the 34 Brigade, operating under the 82 Division in Owerri, carried out the operation after trekking for nearly four hours to avoid detection. The Army said the raid was executed in a commando-style approach without armoured vehicles.

According to military officials, the troops came under heavy fire from Gentle’s fighters, who shot at them from the building’s roof. Soldiers responded with force and later set the building ablaze after the fighters refused to surrender.

Five members of the gang were confirmed dead, including Gentle’s second-in-command, two male fighters, and two female associates. However, the Army said it has not yet confirmed whether Gentle himself was among those killed.

“At this time, we can confirm the death of his two IC (second-in-command) and four others. Verification is ongoing to determine if Gentle De Yahoo was among those neutralized,” the Army said.

Villagers in the area, long terrorized by the gang, confirmed the death of his deputy but also await confirmation of Gentle’s fate.

The Army stressed that regardless of his status, the raid has significantly weakened the group’s operations in Imo and neighbouring states.