The Pentagon seizes an oil tanker in the Indian Ocean that violated Venezuela sanctions
The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced in an official statement on Monday that it had conducted a special military operation resulting in the seizure of the oil tanker "Aquila 2" in the Indian Ocean. This operation comes as part of ongoing U.S. efforts to enforce the economic embargo and stringent sanctions imposed by former President Donald Trump on Venezuela's oil sector, aimed at cutting off funding sources for the Nicolás Maduro regime.
Details of the operation and naval pursuit
The US military, via its X platform, explained that the takeover of the vessel was successful and without incident or injuries. American soldiers boarded the tanker using ropes from a helicopter, as shown in a video attached to the statement. Reports indicate that the seizure followed a long and complex pursuit that began in the Caribbean Sea, where the tanker attempted to evade US surveillance. The chase ended with its interception in the Indian Ocean, demonstrating the US Navy's intelligence and logistical capabilities in tracking violating vessels across continents.
Background of sanctions and the context of maximum pressure
This incident falls within the framework of Washington's "maximum pressure" strategy against Caracas, which included a comprehensive ban on Venezuelan oil exports. The "Aquila 2" is the eighth vessel to be seized since these executive orders came into effect. This operation is particularly significant as it is the second to take place outside the usual geographical scope (the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean), following the interception of another tanker linked to Russia in the North Atlantic in early January. This sends a clear message that the long arm of US law can reach violators in any waterway around the world.
Strengthening the military presence in the Caribbean
The United States has recently bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific, ostensibly to combat drug trafficking and enforce oil sanctions. This increased deployment has contributed to tightening the noose on maritime smuggling routes, targeting suspicious vessels, and intensifying political and legal pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his inner circle through indictments and sweeping financial sanctions.
The "Ghost Fleet" Challenge
Despite the success of these operations, military experts point to the enormous challenge facing Washington. The seized vessels represent only a small fraction of a vast and complex network of ships operating globally to circumvent sanctions. In this context, Admiral David Baratta revealed alarming figures during a congressional hearing in early February, suggesting that the total number of ships potentially involved in sanctions violations and operating within the so-called "ghost fleet" could reach 800. This necessitates a coordinated international effort to monitor maritime traffic and curb this illicit activity.
