Washington, February 16: The Pentagon announced on Sunday that the US military has intercepted another oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Indian Ocean.
According to a statement released on the social media platform X, the vessel named Veronica III was tracked by US authorities from the Caribbean Sea to the Indian Ocean, where it was boarded for inspection. The statement noted, “Throughout the night, the US military acted on the Veronica III in the Indo-Pacific Command area without incident.”
The United States claims that the ship was attempting to evade sanctions imposed under presidential orders. The Department of Defense emphasized that international waters are not a safe haven for illegal activities.
Reports indicate that this Panama-flagged oil tanker is accused of violating oil sanctions related to Iran and Venezuela. The ship was reportedly carrying approximately 1.9 million barrels of crude oil and fuel oil and has been associated with oil transport from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela since 2023.
In December, the US President ordered a “full blockade” on sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela. Just last week, the US military also intercepted another tanker in the Indian Ocean for inspection.
The United States asserts that it will enforce sanctions on land, air, and sea. President Donald Trump had issued an order in December to completely halt all US-sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. These sanctions have been in place since January 3, following the US action and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The Department of Defense reiterated in a Sunday post, “International waters are not a safe place. By land, air, or sea, we will find you and bring you to justice. The Department of Defense will not allow illegal elements and their associates to operate freely in maritime areas.”
According to maritime intelligence firms, the Veronica III departed from Venezuela on January 3, 2026, the same day that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was captured, and was carrying nearly 1.9 million barrels of crude oil and fuel oil.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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