Tanker seized by US recently passed through Strait

A Russian-flagged oil tanker seized by the United States recently passed through the Strait of Gibraltar.

The United Kingdom backed the US operation - with RFA Tideforce, recently on the Rock, providing support to the US forces.

The Bella 1 passed through the Strait late last year; the international press reports vessel tracking sites showed it was on its way to Venezuela.

It was then renamed the Marinera - and this week, the Russian-flagged tanker was pursued and seized by US forces.

The US European Command said this was due to "violations of US sanctions". 

The UK's Ministry of Defence said it provided "pre-planned operational support, including basing", after a US request for assistance.

The MoD said the US forces pursuing the Bella 1 were supported by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker Tideforce, which recently visited Gibraltar for maintenance.

Defence Secretary John Healey said, "The Bella 1 was falsely flagged and subject to US counter-Iran sanctions."

Another tanker, the Panama-flagged MT Sophia, was also seized by US forces in the Caribbean this week.

The Bella 1 incident has raised concerns internationally over the risk of confrontation between the US and Russia.