Washington. The US military has intercepted another oil tanker belonging to Venezuela in the Indian Ocean. The ship, named Veronica III, was boarded without incident in an overnight operation in the Indo-Pacific Command area, the Pentagon said Sunday.
This Panama-flagged tanker was tracked from the Caribbean Sea to the Indian Ocean. About 19 lakh barrels of crude oil and fuel oil were loaded on the ship. According to intelligence reports, it has been involved in oil transportation to Russia, Iran and Venezuela since 2023. The US alleges that it was violating the President’s sanctions orders.
In December, President Donald Trump ordered a complete blockade of sanctioned tankers tied to Venezuela. These sanctions became more stringent after the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3, 2026. Last week also another tanker was stopped in the Indian Ocean.
The Pentagon issued a statement on X saying, ‘International waters are not safe for illegal activities. Land, air or sea – we will find you. The Defense Department made it clear that illegal elements will not be given freedom to roam in the maritime areas.
The incident underlines the US’s ability to enforce sanctions globally. Such actions are important in protecting energy trade and international law. More strictness is expected in future.
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