US Forces Intercept Oil Tanker in Indian Ocean

Feb 15, 2026

56 min

Feb 15, 2026 23:30

US forces board oil tanker Indian Ocean that fled Caribbean blockade: Pentagon

## US Military Action

US forces have intercepted and boarded the oil tanker Veronica III in the Indian Ocean. This action follows the vessel's violation of a blockade imposed by former President Donald Trump on sanctioned ships in the Caribbean.

## Background on the Blockade

The blockade, initiated in December, targets oil vessels linked to Venezuela. The Veronica III, flagged under Panama, attempted to evade this blockade by fleeing the Caribbean. It was tracked and stopped by US forces as it carried approximately 1.9 million barrels of oil.

## Broader Context

The interception of the Veronica III is part of a larger effort by the US to curb the movement of sanctioned vessels. The US Coast Guard estimates that around 800 such "shadow fleet" ships operate globally to bypass sanctions.

## Recent Developments

This incident follows the recent capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by US special forces. The Veronica III is also under US sanctions related to Iran, as per the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Asset Control.

The Pentagon has reiterated its commitment to restricting the movement of illicit actors in international waters.

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