In a bold maritime operation, the US military has once again cracked down on vessels evading sanctions against Venezuela. The Pentagon announced on Sunday that forces under the US Indo-Pacific Command successfully intercepted the oil tanker Veronica III in the Indian Ocean, boarding it without incident overnight.
Tracking the Panama-flagged vessel from the Caribbean Sea through to the Indian Ocean, American officials monitored its movements closely. The ship, laden with approximately 1.9 million barrels of crude oil and fuel oil, has been linked to oil transport activities involving Russia, Iran, and Venezuela since 2023. US authorities accuse it of deliberately circumventing presidential sanctions imposed to curb Venezuela’s illicit oil trade.
This interception follows a similar action last week, underscoring America’s unwavering commitment to enforcing restrictions across land, air, and sea. President Donald Trump ordered a full blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers in December, a directive intensified after Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro’s capture on January 3, 2026—the same day Veronica III reportedly departed Venezuelan waters.
The Pentagon’s statement on social media platform X was unequivocal: ‘International waters are no safe haven for illegal activities. Whether by land, air, or sea, we will find you and deliver justice.’ The Defense Department emphasized that maritime domains will not tolerate rogue elements or their accomplices flouting international norms.
Maritime intelligence reports confirm the tanker’s cargo and itinerary, highlighting its role in a broader network challenging global sanctions. As tensions simmer in key shipping lanes, this operation signals the US’s readiness to project power far from its shores, safeguarding economic security and international law. The Veronica III now stands as a stark reminder: sanctions evasion comes at a high price.