UK Commandos Board Russian 'Shadow Fleet' Tanker in Daring Channel Op! 🚢🇬🇧

British armed forces successfully intercepted and boarded a Russian 'shadow fleet' vessel in the English Channel during the early hours of Sunday, marking the first UK-led operation of its kind. The meticulously planned six-hour operation saw Royal Marine commandos and specially trained law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) take control of the sanctioned oil tanker, identified as the Smyrtos.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the vessel will be provisionally moved to an anchorage off the south coast of England, where it will be monitored for any potential environmental or safety concerns. The complex operation received extensive support, including aircraft from the Maritime Air Group (Chinooks, Merlin Mk4, and Wildcat helicopters), an RAF P-8 aircraft, and naval assets HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.

Footage released by the MoD showcased the dramatic interdiction, with personnel seen fast-roping onto the tanker from a helicopter in the dark. Further clips depicted armed personnel conducting thorough searches of cabins aboard the vessel, while NCA officers meticulously inspected documentation and paperwork.

The operation quickly drew commendation from political leaders. Sir Keir Starmer stated, “This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fuelling (President Vladimir) Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide. I want to pay tribute to all those involved, including our armed forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.” Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis echoed these sentiments, adding, “Operations like this require skill, professionalism and courage. I pay tribute to our armed forces personnel and all those involved. Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund their conflict in Ukraine and our interdiction delivers a blow to Putin’s illegal war.”

The term 'shadow fleet' refers to a collection of foreign-flagged oil tankers that European nations, including Britain, accuse Russia of using to export oil. This strategy allows Moscow to continue profiting from its lucrative energy trade despite facing stringent international sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine. The successful interdiction serves as a clear message that efforts to circumvent these sanctions will be met with decisive action.

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