U.S. Military Seizes Oil Tanker in Indian Ocean After Caribbean Pursuit
The U.S. military recently intercepted an oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking its journey from the Caribbean. This action is part of an ongoing effort to combat illicit oil trade linked to Venezuela.
Operation Against Illicit Oil Trade
The Pentagon confirmed that U.S. forces boarded the Veronica III, a vessel already under U.S. sanctions. The operation took place as part of a broader strategy to disrupt Venezuela’s oil exports, which have been under U.S. sanctions for several years.
Tanker Journey and Background
The Veronica III departed from Venezuela on January 3, coinciding with the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. It was carrying nearly 2 million barrels of crude and fuel oil at the time of its interception.
- Departure Date: January 3
- Cargo: Approximately 2 million barrels of crude and fuel oil
- Original Location: Venezuela
The vessel is registered under the Panamanian flag and is linked to U.S. sanctions concerning Iran, as reported by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Tracking and Interception Details
The Pentagon reported that the Veronica III attempted to evade a quarantine instituted by former President Donald Trump. The military tracked the vessel’s path from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, leading to its eventual boarding.
Video footage released by the Pentagon shows U.S. troops conducting the boarding operation. This marks the latest in a series of intercepts targeting vessels associated with Venezuela’s oil trade.
Related Operations and Statistics
Since the beginning of 2023, at least 16 tankers have reportedly left the Venezuelan coast in violation of U.S. sanctions and quarantine measures. This issue highlights the persistent challenge of illegal oil exports from Venezuela, which often involve cooperation with other countries such as Russia and Iran.
- Previous Boarding: The U.S. military boarded another tanker, the Aquila II, in the Indian Ocean last week.
- Ongoing Efforts: The Pentagon continues to assess the fate of these vessels while conducting strategic operations.
The situation regarding the Veronica III remains fluid, as the Pentagon has not provided further details about whether the tanker has been formally seized or placed under U.S. control. The U.S. military’s commitment to controlling Venezuela’s oil trade illustrates the complexities of international sanctions and maritime law.
