Pakistan, June 14 -- Britain has seized a Russian-linked "shadow fleet" tanker in the English Channel, marking the first such detention by UK forces. The operation targeted the sanctioned vessel Smyrtos during an overnight boarding mission. The move reflects growing Western pressure on Russia's oil export network.

Royal Marine commandos boarded the Cameroon-flagged tanker in a six-hour operation supported by air and naval assets. The Ministry of Defence said the vessel was intercepted under international maritime law. It will now be moved to the south coast of England for inspection and monitoring.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the operation delivered a strong message against efforts to bypass sanctions. He said the action disrupted ...