LOC22:41
19:41 GMT
LONDON, Jan 7 (KUNA) -- UK armed forces provided pre-planned operational support, including basing, to US military assets interdicting the Bella 1 between the UK and Iceland following a US request for assistance.
RFA Tideforce is providing support for US forces pursuing and interdicting the Bella 1, while the RAF provided surveillance support from the air, the UK Ministry of Defense said in a press release on Wednesday.
The UK and US defence and security relationship is the deepest in the world and the UK provided enabling support in full compliance with international law, according to the statement.
Commenting on the operation, UK Defence Secretary John Healey said, "Our UK Armed Forces showed skill and professionalism in support of a successful US interception of the vessel Bella 1 while on its way to Russia.
"This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting," he explained.
"This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.
"The UK will continue to step up our action against shadow fleet activity to protect our national security, our economy, and global stability - making Britain secure at home and strong abroad.
"The US is the UK's closest defence and security partner and the security of the North Atlantic is critical to both our homelands.
The depth of our defence relationship with the U.S. is an essential part of our security, and today's seamlessly executed operation shows just how well this works in practice," Secretary Healey added.
The Bella 1 is sanctioned by the US under its counter-Iran sanctions, aimed at stopping Iran from fuelling instability in the Middle East through the profits of illegal oil sales.
The ship, initially flying a false flag, turned off its transponders while at sea and sought to reflag while being pursued, indicating its nefarious links to global sanctions evasion. (end)
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