UK forces, alongside the French navy, have seized an oil tanker in the Mediterranean believed to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet. The HMS Cutlass, a British patrol boat, provided tracking information and imagery to support the French operation near the Strait of Gibraltar. The Deyna, a Mozambique-flagged vessel, was sanctioned by the UK and the EU for its involvement in shipping Russian oil. The vessel, suspected of flying a false flag, was carrying Russian crude oil and was intercepted off the coast of Algeria.
Why It Matters
The military operation to seize the Deyna is part of efforts to disrupt Russia’s shadow fleet, which evades sanctions on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine. These vessels profit from war by carrying oil and goods for Russia, contributing to its war efforts. The seizure reflects ongoing international efforts to enforce sanctions and prevent the financing of Russia’s military activities.
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