UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Several US aircraft land at RAF bases in the UK while tracking a sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker near British waters amid global tensions.
As reported by Alex Croft of The Independent, US military jets have arrived at RAF bases in the UK amid global uncertainty triggered by President Trump’s actions in Venezuela and Greenland.
How are US forces tracking a Venezuelan oil tanker near Britain?
Since Saturday, 3 January, more than a dozen US C-17 Globemaster transport planes and two AC-130J gunships have landed in England, according to flight tracking data.
According to The Times, the aircraft landed at three RAF bases in Suffolk and Gloucestershire, jointly run by the US and Britain.
Defence website The War Zone reported that 10 Globemaster flights departed the US for Europe on 3 January, with some landing at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
At least two AC-130J Ghostrider gunships landed at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk on Sunday, 4 January, while other aircraft reportedly arrived at RAF Lakenheath.
US pilots were seen training in Osprey aircraft at RAF Fairford, according to social media footage, and the UK Ministry of Defense refused to comment on the operation.
American military planes have arrived in Britain as forces pursue the Venezuelan oil tanker Marinera, which evaded capture in the Caribbean and is now near UK waters under a Russian flag.
Surveillance planes from the US, UK, France, and Ireland are tracking the Marinera, previously known as Bella 1, now sailing between Scotland and Iceland.
Amid reports that the U.S. might try to seize the tanker, Russia has sent its naval ships to escort it. Two U.S. officials said the military’s goal is to capture the ship, not sink it.
The development comes after U.S. forces conducted a dramatic military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro.
The White House said the military “is still an option” as President Trump seeks to take control of Greenland, pointing to its strategic Arctic location and rich mineral resources.
The US military’s Southern Command said on Tuesday that it
“remains ready to support our US government agency partners in standing against sanctioned vessels and actors transiting through this region.”
He added,
“Our sea services are vigilant, agile, and postured to track vessels of interest. When the call comes, we will be there.”
Commenting on the Marinera, Russia said it is monitoring the vessel closely, adding,
“At present, our vessel is sailing in the international waters of the North Atlantic under the state flag of the Russian Federation and in full compliance with the norms of international maritime law.”
The Russian foreign ministry said,
“For reasons unclear to us, the Russian ship is being given increased and clearly disproportionate attention by the US and Nato military, despite its peaceful status.”
How are European leaders responding to President Trump’s Greenland ambitions?
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, together with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and leaders from France, Germany, and Italy, stressed that “Greenland belongs to its people.”
Responding to the Trump administration’s recent remarks, the EU leaders said,
“It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.”
UK’s Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy is set to meet U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Thursday to address rising tensions between the Trump administration and European leaders.
Why does Donald Trump want to take control of Greenland?
Greenland’s Arctic location makes it a strategic asset for the U.S., especially amid increasing Russian and Chinese military activity. A U.S. base already operates on the island, but broader control could strengthen Washington’s strategic capabilities.
The island is rich in resources, with rare earth deposits and possible oil and gas reserves attracting international economic interest.
The idea of the U.S. acquiring Greenland has a long history, dating back to 1867, with renewed proposals in 1946 and again during President Trump’s first term in 2019.
Where are RAF bases located in the UK?
- RAF Brize Norton – Oxfordshire
- RAF Coningsby – Lincolnshire
- RAF Lossiemouth – Moray, Scotland
- RAF Marham – Norfolk
- RAF Waddington – Lincolnshire
- RAF Benson – Oxfordshire
- RAF Odiham – Hampshire
- RAF Valley – Isle of Anglesey, Wales
- RAF Leeming – North Yorkshire
- RAF Wittering – Cambridgeshire
- RAF Cranwell – Lincolnshire
- RAF Shawbury – Shropshire
- RAF High Wycombe – Buckinghamshire
- RAF Honington – Suffolk
- RAF Cosford – Shropshire
- RAF Boulmer – Northumberland