US Forces Safely Board Venezuela-Linked Oil Tanker in Indian Ocean
U.S. military forces successfully boarded the Aquila II, a crude oil tanker linked to Venezuela, in the Indian Ocean. This operation followed a chase that began in the Caribbean, as the vessel was suspected of violating sanctions imposed by Washington. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation, stating that it was executed without incident.
Details of the Operation
The U.S. conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction, and boarding on the Aquila II. Hegseth indicated that this vessel was running from the U.S. efforts to enforce sanctions against ships traveling to or from Venezuela.
The Aquila II and Its Cargo
- Vessel: Aquila II
- Origin: Venezuela
- Cargo: Approximately 700,000 barrels of heavy crude oil
- Destination: China
- Departure: Early January 2023
- Status: Part of a flotilla, with most vessels returning to Venezuela or seized by U.S. forces
Hegseth emphasized the U.S. commitment to monitoring and interdicting ships that breach its blockade. This operation reflects an escalation in efforts following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a military operation in Caracas last month.
Tracking the Vessel
The U.S. Department of War reportedly tracked the Aquila II from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean. Hegseth warned that the vessel would exhaust its fuel before evading the U.S. forces tasked with its capture.
As of now, details regarding the registration of the Aquila II remain unclear. The international maritime community continues to closely monitor developments regarding the sanctions involving vessels linked to Venezuela.
This operation aligns with the U.S. strategy to enforce the quarantine on sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean, as part of efforts to contain the flow of Venezuelan oil amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
