The U.S. military has boarded the Aquila II oil tanker in the Indian Ocean, highlighting its ongoing efforts to combat illicit Venezuelan oil trade amidst international sanctions against it.
The U.S. military conducted a boarding of the Aquila II oil tanker in the Indian Ocean, as announced by the Pentagon on February 9. This operation followed the vessel's pursuit from the Caribbean and is part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to counteract illicit oil trade linked to Venezuela amid heightened geopolitical tensions. The Defense Department emphasized the seriousness of this action on social media, stating that their quarantine measures 'mean it,' and reported that the operation occurred 'without incident.'
The Aquila II is part of what is known as the 'shadow fleet,' a collection of tankers allegedly utilized by Russia for the illegal export of crude oil and petroleum products, defying international sanctions. Ukrainian military intelligence has drawn connections between this shadow fleet and hybrid warfare tactics employed by Moscow. Additionally, there are concerns raised by experts regarding the condition of these vessels, which poses significant environmental threats, including a higher risk of oil spills that could have devastating effects on marine ecosystems.
Authorities cite that the Aquila II has been sanctioned by multiple nations, including the U.S., U.K., EU, and Ukraine, due to its involvement in transporting Russian and Venezuelan oil illegally, notably while flying a false Panamanian flag. This incident not only reflects the U.S. commitment to enforcing sanctions and combating illegal oil trade but also underscores the strategic challenges presented by Russia's influence in the region and its support for Venezuela, a country under heavy international scrutiny for its governance and economic practices.
