U.S. Commandos Capture Oil Tanker in Thrilling Footage: WATCH

The United States military has intensified its efforts to target sanctioned oil tankers to disrupt the financing of adversarial nations. This strategy, aimed at countries like Russia and Venezuela, serves to undermine their economies without direct military confrontation.

U.S. Commandos Capture Oil Tanker in Thrilling Footage

On February 9, 2026, the Department of War released remarkable footage of U.S. commandos boarding the sanctioned oil tanker, Aquila II. This operation is part of a broader military initiative to enforce sanctions against vessels linked to hostile nations.

Operation Details

The Aquila II has connections to Russia’s shadow fleet and has been used for transporting oil from Venezuela. The operation took place in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility and was executed smoothly. According to the Department of War:

• “U.S. military forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding on the Aquila II without incident.”
• The tanker was operating in violation of President Trump’s established quarantine for sanctioned vessels.
• The journey of the Aquila II was tracked from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean.

Military Readiness and Capability

The U.S. military’s ability to enforce such actions exemplifies its unmatched global reach. A statement highlighted:

• “No other nation can enforce its will across land, air, or sea like the United States.”
• “You will run out of fuel long before you will outrun us.”

The video footage captured during the boarding operation featured a sniper equipped with an SR-25 rifle, illustrating the elite capabilities of U.S. forces. While previous ship seizures often involved the Coast Guard, this particular operation did not disclose the specific unit involved, leading to speculation about the involvement of SEAL Team 6.

The military’s continued focus on disrupting hostile oil trade routes reinforces its commitment to national security. This operation serves as a clear message to adversaries: the United States remains a formidable force that can act decisively against those who violate international sanctions.

The footage has garnered attention, emphasizing the impressive display of tactical prowess by U.S. commandos. Such operations not only aim to restrict funding to rogue states but also serve to bolster the visibility of military effectiveness in the eyes of global observers.